Circularly Polarized Array Antenna for Wideband Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased array antennas for millimeter-wave communications lack efficient mechanisms to steer radiation patterns without physical movement and achieve circular polarization across a wide frequency band.
Innovation Solution
A circularly polarized array antenna comprising a ground plane and multiple circularly polarized antennas with isolated magnetic dipole elements on column substrates, coupled to a phase shifter circuit, allowing phase control and electromagnetic tuning for steering radiation patterns and achieving circular polarization across 24-52 GHz.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional phased array antennas are used for millimeter-wave communications, then basic radiation pattern control is achieved, but efficient radiation pattern steering without physical movement and circular polarization across wide frequency band are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element is segmented into multiple isolated magnetic dipole elements arranged in a specific geometric configuration. Each dipole element operates independently but contributes to the overall circular polarization pattern, enabling frequency-independent radiation characteristics across the millimeter-wave band.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional planar antenna elements to a three-dimensional configuration with magnetic dipole elements positioned at different spatial locations and orientations. This dimensional expansion enables circular polarization and wideband operation by exploiting spatial diversity and three-dimensional electromagnetic field distribution.
2Ease of operation
If phase shifter circuit is used to control radiation pattern, then phase shift control is achieved, but physical movement is required for effective steering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical movement-based beam steering with an electromagnetic field-based solution. The isolated magnetic dipole elements create a radiation pattern that can be electronically controlled through their inherent electromagnetic coupling, eliminating the need for physical movement while achieving effective beam steering across wide angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design exploits changes in electromagnetic field parameters (phase, amplitude, and polarization) across the millimeter-wave frequency band (24-52 GHz). By designing the magnetic dipole elements with specific geometries and orientations, the system achieves frequency-independent circular polarization and radiation pattern control without mechanical adjustment.
3Reliability
If conventional antenna elements are used, then simple structure is maintained, but circular polarization and wide frequency band coverage are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna employs a composite structure combining multiple magnetic dipole elements with different orientations and configurations. This composite arrangement creates circular polarization patterns and broadens the frequency response by integrating the electromagnetic characteristics of individual dipoles in a synergistic three-dimensional configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic electromagnetic coupling between the isolated magnetic dipole elements, where the interaction between elements changes with frequency and observation angle. This dynamic coupling enables the antenna to maintain circular polarization and consistent radiation patterns across the wide millimeter-wave frequency band without requiring active adjustment mechanisms.
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 steering of radiation patterns and achieves circular polarization efficiently across a wide frequency band, enhancing communication capabilities without physical movement of antennas.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the circularly polarized antennas is configured to communicate over a frequency band ranging from 24 gigahertz (GHz) to 52 GHz
Implementation Method 2
A circularly polarized array antenna comprising a ground plane and multiple circularly polarized antennas with isolated magnetic dipole elements
Implementation Method 3
The phase shifter circuit can alter a phase of a RF signal received from a RF source such that a phase of the RF signal measured at an output of the RF phase shifter circuit is different relative to a phase of the RF signal measured at an input of the RF phase shifter circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A circularly polarized array antenna is provided. The circularly polarized array antenna includes a ground plane and a plurality of circularly polarized antennas. Each of the circularly polarized antennas is configured to communicate over a frequency band ranging from 24 gigahertz (GHz) to 52 GHz. Each of the circularly polarized antennas includes a column substrate coupled to the ground plane. The column substrate includes a plurality of faces. Each of the circularly polarized antennas further includes a plurality of isolated magnetic dipole elements. Each of the isolated magnetic dipole elements is disposed on a different face of the column substrate.