Coaxially Stacked Phased-Array Antenna for Ka Band Switchable Polarization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Ka band antennas require higher bandwidth and lower cost dielectric materials for improved performance without increasing costs, and they lack switchable circular polarization capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A phased-array antenna is fabricated using planar multi-layer manufacturing with co-axial antenna patches on different layers of a dielectric substrate, featuring shorted annular ring and circular patch antennas, dual hybrid couplers, and signal vias to achieve switchable polarization and dual frequency operation, allowing for the use of low dielectric constant materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional Ka band antennas are used, then basic antenna function is achieved, but bandwidth is insufficient and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar co-located antenna elements to vertically stacked three-dimensional configuration. The dual-frequency antennas are arranged in vertical layers with spacing d, utilizing the third dimension to achieve frequency separation and bandwidth expansion without increasing horizontal footprint, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system is segmented into distinct dual-frequency antenna elements, each handling specific frequency bands. The vertical stacking creates independent radiating structures for different frequencies, allowing each segment to be optimized for its frequency range while collectively providing expanded bandwidth coverage
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional antenna design is used, then basic radiation is achieved, but switchable circular polarization is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna incorporates switchable polarization capability through dynamic control of feeding networks. The dual-frequency antennas can switch between different polarization states (circular and linear) by reconfiguring the phase and amplitude relationships of the fed elements, enabling adaptive polarization selection without permanent structural changes
Solution Approach 2:
The vertically stacked antenna structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides dual-frequency operation, achieves circular polarization through vertical element spacing, enables polarization switching via feeding network control, and maintains a compact form factor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized antenna structures
3Reliability
If antenna units are spaced far apart, then isolation between units is improved, but scanning angle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking to achieve frequency and spatial separation between antenna elements. By arranging dual-frequency antennas in the vertical dimension with optimized spacing d, the system achieves adequate isolation between frequency bands and units while maintaining a compact horizontal aperture that enables wider scanning angles through phased array beam steering
4Reliability
If high dielectric constant material is used, then antenna performance is improved, but fabrication cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the dielectric constant parameter of the substrate material to achieve a balance between performance and cost. By carefully selecting and tuning the dielectric constant value, the antenna maintains adequate impedance matching, resonance characteristics, and radiation efficiency while using cost-effective standard PCB materials rather than expensive high-performance substrates
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 design reduces the spacing between antenna units, enabling wider scanning angles and lower fabrication costs while maintaining high performance, and allows for switchable circular polarization, addressing the need for cost-effective Ka band phased array satellite communication.
Implementation Method 1
the two output ports have +90 degree phase shift; while, when the other input port is ON, the two output ports have â90 degree phase shift
Implementation Method 2
The two output signals with phase shift connected to the two signal vias generates two orthogonal electric fields with +/â90 degree phase shift. The superposition of these two phase shifted orthogonal electric fields leads to the circular polarized electric field
Data Source
AI summary
A planar multi-layer assembly method fabricates a dual frequency, dual polarization phased-array antenna. A plurality of vias make up an array of double-walled wells which are connected to a ground plane. A shorted annular ring patch antenna (SARPA) is deposited at the top of each double-walled well. Fabricated coaxially and parallel to each SARPA, is an array of circular patch antennas (CPA). The inner wall of each double-walled well improves isolation of the CPA signals from the SARPA signals. Each SARPA of the array is connected to a pair of first frequency band signal vias and the CPA is coupled to a pair of second frequency band signal vias. Within each frequency band, a plurality of signal phases enable steerable polarized antenna beams.