Circular Multi-Beam Antenna Array for Continuous 360° Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems struggle to provide continuous and simultaneous 360° coverage due to the limitations of variable and fixed phase shifters, which require time to sweep through a predetermined arc, leading to potential target miss detection and discontinuous coverage.
Innovation Solution
The use of Butler matrices in combination with beam forming networks, such as K×N and N×M networks, allows for simultaneous or sequential 360° coverage by replacing variable and fixed phase shifters, enabling passive and robust antenna systems that can cover a full 360° without scanning latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If variable and fixed phase shifters are used to sweep through a predetermined arc, then beam direction can be changed, but coverage becomes discontinuous and targets may be missed due to sweeping time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 360° coverage into multiple fixed beam directions, each handled by a dedicated phase shifter. Instead of one beam sweeping continuously, multiple beams are formed simultaneously in different directions, eliminating the time loss associated with sweeping and ensuring no targets are missed between sweep positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which of the multiple fixed beams to activate or combine based on detection needs. While the beams themselves are fixed in direction, the system can dynamically switch between different beam configurations or combine multiple beams to cover different sectors, providing adaptive coverage without the mechanical sweeping delay.
2Device complexity
If a single beam is swept through an arc to cover multiple directions, then device complexity is reduced, but coverage continuity deteriorates and creates detection gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The coverage area is segmented into multiple directional sectors, each served by a fixed beam formed by dedicated phase shifters. This segmentation allows simultaneous coverage of multiple directions without the need for a single beam to sweep continuously, eliminating coverage gaps while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular phase shifter units.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fixed beams covering different directional sectors are merged or combined to achieve comprehensive 360° coverage. Instead of relying on a single sweeping beam, the system combines the coverage of multiple stationary beams, ensuring continuous and redundant coverage across all directions simultaneously.
3Reliability
If multiple phase shifters are used to provide simultaneous multi-directional coverage, then coverage continuity improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing full independent control for every possible direction, the system uses a discrete number of phase shifters to create a sufficient set of fixed beams that collectively cover the required sectors. This partial action approach achieves adequate coverage continuity without the excessive complexity of complete omnidirectional independent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple phase shifters are designed to serve multiple functions: each can independently form a beam in a specific direction, and they can also be combined in various configurations to cover different sector combinations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for even more components, as the same phase shifters adapt to different coverage requirements.
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.