Circular Parasitic Array Assembly for Full-Duplex RF Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Ku Band Common Data Link systems face challenges with full-duplex transceiver operation due to radiated transmitter power desensitizing the receive chain, requiring large and expensive antennas and duplexers, which are incompatible with miniaturized, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C)-challenged airborne payloads. Directional communications systems are also bulky and inefficient for small form factor unmanned aerial systems.
Innovation Solution
A circular parasitic array (CPA) assembly with physically separated CPAs for transmit and receive functions, utilizing on-frequency isolation and low-order duplexers, enabling multi-band communication with omni and directional beam steering, and reducing the need for mechanical volume and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional full-duplex CDL systems use large antenna and high-performance duplexers to isolate Rx chain from Tx chain, then Rx-to-Tx isolation requirements are met, but mechanical volume and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the antenna function into multiple independent CPAs, each handling specific frequency bands. This segmentation allows physical separation of transmit and receive antennas to achieve isolation without requiring large single-structure duplexers, thereby reducing overall volume while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar 2D AESA to three-dimensional circular parasitic array configuration. This dimensional change enables 360-degree azimuthal beam coverage and facilitates better spatial separation between transmit and receive paths, achieving isolation requirements with reduced volume compared to traditional planar configurations.
2Reliability
If high-performance duplexers are used to meet stringent Rx-to-Tx isolation requirements, then full-duplex operation is enabled, but mechanical packaging weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the isolation function from traditional high-order duplexers and implements it through physical separation of transmit and receive CPAs in three-dimensional space. This eliminates the need for heavy high-performance duplexers while maintaining full-duplex operation capability, significantly reducing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical duplexer structures with an electromagnetic field-based solution using spatially separated CPAs. The isolation is achieved through electromagnetic wave propagation characteristics and spatial geometry rather than mechanical filtering components, reducing weight and complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If directional antennas with two-axis mechanical positioning systems are used for Ku Band CDL, then communication capability is achieved, but SWaP-C compatibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical two-axis positioning systems with electronic beam steering using parasitic array element control. Phase and amplitude modulation of individual CPA elements achieves beam direction control without mechanical movement, eliminating DC power consumption associated with motors and positioners while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The circular parasitic array structure provides inherent 360-degree azimuthal coverage through its geometric configuration, eliminating the need for mechanical scanning. The system serves itself by using the natural radiation patterns and interference characteristics of the circular array to achieve omnidirectional and directional modes without external mechanical actuation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If incumbent directional Ku Band antenna systems are used, then communication functionality is provided, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a circular (spheroidal) antenna configuration that presents a streamlined cross-section to the airflow, minimizing aerodynamic drag compared to planar or directional antenna structures. The curved geometry allows the antenna to blend with the airframe contour, reducing form drag while maintaining full communication functionality through electronic beam steering.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a circular parasitic array (CPA) assembly including: a first CPA configured to at least one of transmit or receive; and a second CPA configured to at least one of transmit or receive; wherein the first CPA is configured to one of transmit or receive over a first bandwidth while the second CPA is configured to another of transmit or receive over the first bandwidth or a second bandwidth, wherein the first CPA and the second CPA are physically separated by a distance so as to provide on-frequency isolation.