Circular BAVA Antenna Array in Parallel Plate Waveguide
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern radar systems face challenges in providing multi-function capabilities from a single aperture due to limited space on size-constrained platforms, requiring a compact, multifunctional, multi-beam antenna that can operate over wide bandwidths.
Innovation Solution
A radar system utilizing a circular array of Balanced Antipodal Vivaldi Antenna (BAVA) elements within a parallel plate waveguide simulator, which emulates an infinite array environment, allowing for wideband operation and size reduction by leveraging electromagnetic image theory and mutual coupling properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of antennas are placed on size-constrained platforms, then multi-function capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single aperture antenna system that provides multiple functions including intelligence-gathering, direction finding, electronic countermeasure, electronic support, and electronic attack capabilities. This universal antenna design eliminates the need for multiple separate antenna types, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-function capability on size-constrained platforms
2Adaptability or versatility
If various types of antennas are placed on size-constrained platforms, then multi-function capability is improved, but available space worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna functions into a single aperture antenna system. By combining intelligence-gathering, direction finding, electronic countermeasure, electronic support, and electronic attack capabilities into one integrated antenna structure, the system significantly reduces the total space required compared to deploying multiple separate antenna types on size-constrained platforms
3Area of stationary object
If a single compact multifunctional aperture is provided, then space requirements are improved, but bandwidth operation capability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a phased array configuration with multiple antenna elements that can dynamically control beam formation and steering. This dynamic capability allows the single compact aperture to adapt its radiation pattern and operate across multiple frequency bands, achieving both space efficiency and broad bandwidth/multiband communication capability
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 broad bandwidth operations and reduces the physical profile of the antenna system, facilitating multiband communications and multifunctional capabilities on size-constrained platforms, such as aerial vehicles, while reducing antenna count and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the disc-shaped conductive substrate and the ring-shaped conductive substrate jointly form a parallel plate waveguide for the circular antenna array
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of Balanced Antipodal Vivaldi Antenna (BAVA) elements are disposed between the disc-shaped conductive substrate and the ring-shaped conductive substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A radar, communication, discovery and networking system is disclosed. The system utilizes a parallel plate waveguide simulator in combination with a circular array of Balanced Antipodal Vivaldi Antenna elements to support very broad bandwidth operations utilizing a low-profile aperture. It is contemplated that such configurations may be applied to linear arrays (i.e., with no curvature) as well. In addition, the antenna arrays may form multiple rows to resemble a planar antenna. The antenna system in accordance with the present disclosure may be installed on a size-constrained platform and utilized as a common shared asset aperture, providing multifunctional, multi-beam support to facilitate multiband communications.