Compact Antenna System for Polarization Sensitive Null Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems for interference suppression and direction-finding are often large and costly, requiring multiple RF channels and antenna elements, which can be impractical for many applications, especially in GPS and wireless communication systems where compact and low-cost solutions are needed to mitigate interference and determine the source of interfering signals.
Innovation Solution
A compact, single-aperture controlled-receive-pattern antenna system that uses adaptive biasing of active devices within the antenna aperture to mitigate interference, enhancing jammer-to-signal tolerance and providing angle-of-arrival information, which can be used for threat localization in communication and navigation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple RF channels and antenna elements are used for interference suppression and direction-finding, then interference rejection capability is improved, but system size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements into a single integrated antenna structure with multiple feed points. The antenna elements are merged into one compact unit that can still perform interference suppression and direction-finding functions through coordinated signal processing at the multiple feeds, thereby reducing overall system size while maintaining interference rejection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single antenna system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both interference suppression and direction-finding capabilities through its multiple feed points. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated antennas for each function, reducing system complexity and size while maintaining full operational capability.
2Reliability
If multiple RF channels and antenna elements are used for interference suppression and direction-finding, then interference rejection capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple antenna elements into a single integrated structure with multiple feeds, the patent reduces the total number of discrete components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration lowers manufacturing costs while preserving the interference rejection capability through coordinated processing of signals from the multiple feed points.
Solution Approach 2:
The single antenna performs both interference suppression and direction-finding functions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized antennas. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system component count and associated manufacturing costs while maintaining full operational capability for both functions.
3Device complexity
If a compact single-aperture antenna is used, then system size is reduced, but interference suppression capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single antenna aperture into multiple independent feed points, each capable of receiving and processing signals independently. This segmentation allows the compact antenna to create multiple reception patterns and perform null steering against interferers, maintaining interference suppression capability despite the reduced overall system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system employs dynamic signal processing at the multiple feed points to adaptively create nulls in the reception pattern toward interferers. This dynamic capability allows the compact single-aperture antenna to maintain effective interference suppression by electronically adjusting the reception patterns in response to changing interference conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A compact, non-phased-array, electronically reconfigurable antenna (ERA) system with at least two operational modes has a first operational objective that is polarization-sensitive null steering (PSNS) and a second operational objective that is direction-finding (DF). The system can rapidly switch between two operational states. In the first state, the system behaves like a polarization filter (PF) and operates as a controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA), while in the second state the system behaves as an angle-of-arrival (AOA) sensor and operates as a fixed reception pattern antenna (FRPA). The system may include a spiral-mode antenna with both feed and load ports; a mode-forming network; an electronics package; and feedback control electronics. Radio frequency (RF) interference rejection and RF direction-finding may be performed as well as reduction and/or elimination of multiple jamming signals that are intentionally or unintentionally directed at a Global Positioning System (GPS). The determination of direction and location of the source of jamming signals may also be achieved.