Broadband Low-Profile Antenna Using Compound Dipole-Vivaldi Radiator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current broadband antennas often have a high profile, which limits their application on moving platforms like aircraft due to space constraints and adverse effects on aerodynamics, while low-profile antennas typically have narrow bandwidths, making it difficult to achieve both broad bandwidth and low-profile designs simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A broadband, low-profile antenna structure incorporating a compound radiator with both dipole and Vivaldi radiator portions, where the dipole radiator operates at the lower end of the bandwidth and the Vivaldi radiator operates at the upper end, connected electrically to maintain a low profile by keeping the distance between the radiator and the ground plane less than λ/2 at the lowest frequency, allowing for a reduced footprint and broad bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a broadband antenna design is used, then the bandwidth is improved, but the profile height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into two distinct radiator portions: a dipole radiator portion for lower frequency operation and a Vivaldi radiator portion for upper frequency operation. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific frequency range while maintaining a low overall profile, resolving the contradiction between broadband performance and low profile height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional high-profile broadband antenna geometries to a planar, low-profile configuration by utilizing a ground plane and arranging both dipole and Vivaldi radiators in a compact layout. This dimensional change enables broadband operation without increasing profile height beyond λ/2 at the lowest frequency.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the profile is reduced to be low-profile, then the aerodynamic performance is improved, but the bandwidth is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the bandwidth into lower and upper portions and assigning them to different radiator types (dipole and Vivaldi respectively), the antenna achieves broad bandwidth coverage while maintaining a low profile that preserves aerodynamic performance. Each segment contributes to the overall bandwidth without requiring increased profile height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the dipole radiator and Vivaldi radiator into a single compound radiator structure that operates across the entire bandwidth. This combination enables the antenna to achieve the bandwidth of high-profile antennas while maintaining the low profile necessary for aerodynamic performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a high-profile antenna is used, then the broadband performance is achieved, but the space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves broadband performance in a low-profile, space-efficient configuration by utilizing a planar layout with a ground plane. The compound radiator structure (dipole + Vivaldi) is arranged to operate across the full bandwidth without requiring the vertical space of traditional high-profile antennas, thus reducing volume requirements while maintaining broadband capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented radiator design allows each portion (dipole and Vivaldi) to be compact and efficiently utilize available space. The dipole portion handles lower frequencies and the Vivaldi portion handles upper frequencies, enabling broadband operation in a reduced volume compared to single-structure high-profile antennas.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a broadband, low-profile antenna structure that in one embodiment includes a compound radiator and a ground plane. The compound radiator is comprised of a dipole radiator portion and a Vivaldi radiator portion that is electrically connected to the dipole radiator portion. In operation, the dipole radiator portion operates in the lower end of the bandwidth and the Vivaldi radiator portion operates in the upper end of the bandwidth.