CEBG Radial Waveguide Antenna for Low-Cost Beamsteering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronically steerable antennas are complex and costly due to the use of phase shifters and RF switches for beamsteering, limiting their design simplicity and flexibility in achieving various polarizations and beam coverage.
Innovation Solution
The use of a cylindrical electromagnetic band gap (CEBG) structure with a radial waveguide and active elements controlled by direct current (DC) switches to selectively direct RF signals towards radiating elements, allowing for beamsteering without the need for phase shifters and RF switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If phase shifters and RF switches are used for beamsteering, then beamsteering capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the phase shifters and RF switches from the conventional beamsteering system. Instead of using these complex components, the invention uses a simplified architecture with a radial waveguide structure where beamsteering is achieved by selectively activating different radiating elements around the circumference, removing the need for phase shifting components entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple discrete radiating elements arranged around the radial waveguide. Each radiating element can be independently controlled through simple RF switches connected to a power divider network, allowing beamsteering by activating specific segments rather than using complex phase control for each element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If phase shifters and RF switches are used for beamsteering, then beamsteering capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive phase shifter components from the system. The manufacturing cost is reduced by replacing complex phase shifting hardware with a simpler power divider network and basic RF switches, which are less costly and easier to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simpler, less expensive RF switches and a power divider network instead of costly phase shifters. These cheaper components achieve the same beamsteering function through a different mechanism (amplitude control rather than phase control), reducing overall manufacturing cost.
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
This approach reduces complexity and cost by enabling agile antennas to achieve multiple polarizations and full beam coverage with reduced complexity and power consumption, while maintaining effective beamsteering capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a radial waveguide structure coupled to the central line feed. The radial waveguide structure comprises a plurality of radiating elements encircling the central line feed
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of active elements interspersed between the central line feed and the plurality of radiating elements
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of radiating elements are configured to convert the RF signal into a wireless signal
Data Source
AI summary
A low complexity/cost beamsteering antenna includes a central line feed affixed to a radial waveguide structure, radiating elements positioned along the circumference of the radial waveguide structure, and a plurality of active elements interspersed along the surface of the radial waveguide structure between the central line feed and the radiating elements. The active elements may comprise PIN diodes or microelectromechanical system (MEMS) components, and may be selectively activated/deactivated by DC switches in order to direct the propagation of an RF signal over the radial waveguide structure in a manner similar to a power divider. As a result, the RF signal may be funneled to selected radiating elements, thereby effectively directionally aiming the main lobe of the emitted radiation pattern to beamsteer the wireless transmission.