Conformal Antenna Array Layout for High Gain on Small Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna systems for high data rate long-range communication, especially in VHF and UHF bands, require higher gain antennas due to increased path loss at higher frequencies, which are bulky, expensive, and non-conformal, making them unsuitable for small platforms like missiles and UAVs.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, high-gain antenna system with a conformal design that combines multiple antenna elements into super elements, using passive support electronics on one circuit board and active RF beam steering on another, integrated within a low-profile housing that acts as a thermal heat sink, enabling efficient X and Ku band communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If dish antennas or large phased arrays are used for long range datalinks, then antenna gain and transmit power are improved, but device size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is divided into multiple independently controllable sub-arrays or elements. Each element can be individually phased and amplitude-controlled to create different beam patterns. This segmentation allows the large antenna gain to be achieved through constructive interference of multiple small elements rather than a single large dish, thereby reducing the overall physical footprint while maintaining the required gain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar antenna elements to three-dimensional volumetric or conformal antenna structures. By utilizing the third dimension (height/depth) and conforming to the platform surface, the antenna achieves higher effective aperture and gain without increasing the planar footprint area, thus resolving the contradiction between gain and size.
2Power
If dish antennas or large phased arrays are used for long range datalinks, then antenna gain and transmit power are improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing a single complex large dish antenna, the system uses multiple identical or standardized small antenna elements. These elements can be mass-produced using the same manufacturing process and then assembled in different configurations to achieve various gain requirements. This copying approach significantly reduces per-unit cost and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the required antenna gain through array synthesis.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna elements and supporting electronics are designed with universal interfaces and standardized configurations that can serve multiple functions and applications. The same basic antenna element design can be used across different platforms and frequency bands, reducing development costs and enabling economies of scale. This multi-functionality allows a single design to meet various antenna gain requirements without requiring custom manufacturing for each application.
3Area of stationary object
If conformal antennas are used on small platforms, then device size is reduced, but antenna gain decreases due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved or conformal antenna elements that follow the contour of the platform surface. By utilizing curved geometries and three-dimensional conformal structures rather than flat planar elements, the antenna achieves higher effective aperture and gain within the limited available space on small platforms. The curvature allows better utilization of the available volume and improves the radiation pattern efficiency.
4Productivity
If higher frequencies (X and Ku bands) are used to increase data rate, then RF bandwidth is improved, but path loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements into a phased array configuration, merging their individual signals through constructive interference. This array synthesis effectively concentrates the transmitted energy in the desired direction and increases the received signal strength, thereby compensating for the higher path loss inherent in X and Ku band frequencies. The combined array gain offsets the frequency-related path loss, enabling high data rate communication over extended ranges.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing a high gain antenna are disclosed. The antenna can include an array of active antenna elements disposed on a first side of a first circuit board. The active antenna elements are grouped into a number of super elements. Each super element occupies at least a portion of an outside edge of an area containing the active antenna elements. Passive antenna elements can be disposed so as to surround the area containing the active antenna elements. Passive circuit components can be disposed on a second side or on an intermediate layer of the first circuit board. Active circuit components can be disposed on a second circuit board. The active components can be supplied with power and control signals. The first and second circuit boards can be held together by a housing. The antenna can be configured as conformal array antennas.