Cavity Radiating Element with Stacked Elliptical Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing space antennas face challenges with bulky RF radiofrequency chains, particularly in low frequency bands like C band, where radiating elements are either compact but limited to narrow bandwidths and mono-polarization, or bulky but capable of broader bandwidths, making integration into focal networks difficult.

Innovation Solution

A compact radiating element architecture featuring a cavity with stacked elliptical planar elements of decreasing dimensions, allowing operation in two disjoint frequency bands with dual circular polarizations, achieved through elliptical planar elements with specific dimension ratios and orientations, and a coaxial power source for efficient electromagnetic coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If compact cavity radiating elements are used, then the device size is reduced, but the bandwidth is limited and only single polarization operation is possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiating element sizeVSAvoidbandwidth and polarization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The radiating element is segmented into multiple stacked planar elements (first, second, third planar elements) with different orientations. Each planar element contributes to different frequency bands and polarization modes, enabling the compact structure to achieve wide bandwidth and dual circular polarization operation simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-plane radiating structure to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. By arranging planar elements at different heights and orientations within the cavity, the structure achieves enhanced bandwidth and dual polarization capabilities while maintaining compact footprint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If bulky RF chains are used for low frequency bands, then bandwidth and polarization capability are improved, but the mass and volume increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth and polarization capabilityVSAvoidRF chain mass

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple functions (wide bandwidth operation, dual circular polarization, and low-frequency performance) into a single integrated cavity structure with stacked planar elements, eliminating the need for separate bulky RF chains while achieving all required capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cavity radiating element is designed as a universal structure that can operate across wide bandwidths, support both transmission and reception modes, and provide dual circular polarization, replacing multiple specialized components with a single multi-functional element

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables wide bandwidth operation from 3.7GHz to 6.4GHz with dual circular polarizations, reducing cross-polarization gain levels and allowing flexible transmission and reception capabilities, while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for satellite integration.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3306746B1Cavity radiating element and radiating network comprising at least two radiating elements

Publication Date: 2023.04.05 THALES SA

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2

AI summary

The radiating element (10) comprises a cavity (11) with rotational symmetry about an axis Z, a central metallic core (12) extending axially at the center of the cavity and N successive different metallic elliptical planar elements (131, 132, ..., 13N), stacked one above the other, parallel to the lower wall (15) of the cavity, the central core having a lower end fixed to the lower metallic wall of the cavity and a free upper end (16), each elliptical metallic planar element being centered in the cavity and integral with the central core, the N elliptical planar elements being regularly spaced and having dimensions decreasing monotonically between the lower end and the upper end of the central core, where N is an integer greater than 2.