Butler Matrix Circular Antenna Array for Scanless 360° Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna systems face challenges in providing simultaneous and continuous 360° coverage due to limitations in scanning capabilities and reliability, often resulting in discontinuous and non-simultaneous coverage over predetermined arcs, which can lead to missed targets and reduced effectiveness in detection.
Innovation Solution
The use of Butler matrix beam forming networks, which replace variable and fixed phase shifters, enables simultaneous or sequential 360° coverage by coupling antenna elements with Butler matrices that allow for passive, robust, and broad-band operation, providing continuous scanning and reducing sidelobe levels through phase and amplitude tapering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional scanning methods are used to provide 360° coverage, then coverage area is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to discontinuous coverage and missed targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the 360° coverage area into multiple discrete beams arranged in a circular array. Each beam covers a specific sector, and multiple beams work simultaneously to provide complete circumferential coverage, eliminating the discontinuous coverage problem of conventional scanning methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements simultaneous multi-beam operation where all beams are active at the same time rather than sequentially scanning. This continuous parallel operation ensures no gaps in coverage and eliminates missed targets, achieving both complete area coverage and high detection reliability.
2Ease of operation
If variable and fixed phase shifters are used for beam forming, then beam direction control is improved, but device complexity and reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex variable and fixed phase shifter components from the beam forming system. Instead, it uses a simplified Butler matrix architecture that achieves beam direction control through fixed network structures, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs Butler matrices that replicate standardized beam forming patterns across multiple beams. This copying approach allows consistent beam direction control without requiring complex individual phase adjustment mechanisms for each beam, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional antenna arrays are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but coverage continuity and simultaneous 360° capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna array into multiple identical antenna elements arranged in a circular pattern. This modular segmentation allows standardized manufacturing of each element while the overall circular configuration enables continuous 360° coverage when all elements operate simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs identical antenna elements that can each independently form beams in different directions. This universal design allows each element to perform multiple directional functions, and when combined in the circular array, achieves continuous simultaneous 360° coverage while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through component standardization.
Data Source
AI summary
A beam forming network system includes a first beam forming network having first and second ports, in which each of the first ports is operatively coupled to an antenna element; and a second beam forming network including third and fourth ports, in which each of the third ports is operatively coupled to one of the second ports using at least one of a phase shifter, attenuator, power divider, and/or hybrid coupler. A method of beam forming includes coupling each of the first ports associated with a first beam forming network operatively to one antenna element, and coupling each of the third ports associated with a second beam forming network operatively to one of the second ports associated with the first beam forming network using at least one of a phase shifter, attenuator, power divider, and/or hybrid coupler.