Compact Modular Phased Array Element Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steerable beam antennas for mobile vehicular applications face challenges with bulkiness, reliability, and high assembly costs due to mechanical components, and hybrid electronic steering still requires mechanical pointing, while fully electronic phased arrays struggle with integrating numerous components, affecting antenna performance.
Innovation Solution
A compact radiating element structure with a ground plane separating the radiating and feed circuit layers, using orthogonal slots for signal coupling and optimized patch antennas, and a compact hybrid combiner to reduce size and enhance polarization purity, allowing for independent design of each layer and improved bandwidth and directivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical scan or hybrid mechanical electronic scan is used for beam steering, then the antenna can achieve beam steering capability, but the structure becomes bulky and heavy due to mechanical parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with full electronic beam steering using a phased array architecture. The beam is steered electronically by controlling the phase and amplitude of signals fed to each radiating element, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts while achieving the same beam steering capability. This substitution directly addresses the contradiction by removing mechanical components that add weight and reduce reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from mechanical dimension (physical movement) to electronic dimension (signal processing) for beam steering. By using phase shifters and amplitude controllers in the signal path, the antenna achieves spatial beam control through electrical parameters rather than mechanical position changes, thereby eliminating the need for heavy mechanical structures.
2Reliability
If full electronic phased array is used to eliminate mechanical parts, then reliability improves and size reduces, but the integration of numerous electronic components within the antenna aperture becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna into modular radiating elements, each containing a subset of electronic components (phase shifter, amplitude controller, feed network). This segmentation allows independent design, testing, and assembly of individual elements, which are then replicated to form the complete array. The modular approach manages complexity by breaking down the integrated system into manageable units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hierarchical nesting structure where electronic components are integrated within radiating elements, which are arranged in arrays to form the complete antenna system. The feed network, phase shifters, and radiating structures are nested in multiple layers, with each layer serving specific functions. This nested architecture efficiently packs numerous components within the antenna aperture while maintaining signal integrity and minimizing interference.
3Extent of automation
If electronic components are integrated within the antenna aperture, then the antenna can achieve full electronic steering, but the element spacing and array lattice must be optimized which may decrease antenna performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by carefully designing the electromagnetic environment around each integrated electronic component. Shielding structures, ground planes, and isolation elements are strategically placed to minimize mutual coupling and interference between adjacent components. This local optimization ensures that each component operates within its designed parameters, maintaining overall antenna performance despite the dense integration of electronic elements.
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 solution results in a more reliable, compact, and cost-effective steerable beam antenna with improved polarization purity and bandwidth, enabling efficient high-data-rate broadcasting for mobile vehicular applications with reduced mechanical parts and enhanced scanning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a ground plane (110) located below the patch antenna (115) and above the feed line (105)
Implementation Method 2
with slots (120) formed therein that are configured to couple signals between the radiating circuit layer and the feed circuit layer
Implementation Method 3
a patch antenna (115) located above the ground plane (110) and configured to radiate signals
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
In an exemplary embodiment, a modular phased array comprises a ground plane with a first side and a second side, where the ground plane has a slot. The modular phased array also comprises a patch antenna located on the first side of the ground plane, and a feed network located on the second side of the ground plane. In an exemplary embodiment, the ground plane isolates the patch antenna from the feed network. The feed network includes a compacted hybrid with two output ports. In an exemplary embodiment, the ground plane comprises slots that are non-orthogonal and non-parallel to the two output ports of the feed network. In another exemplary embodiment, the distance from the center of the patch antenna to the farthest output port of the two output ports of the compacted hybrid is wavelengths or less.