Conformal Array Pattern Synthesis via Solution Space Pruning PSO

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conformal array antennas face challenges in designing a feed network with a high dynamic range ratio (DRR) of array element excitation amplitude, which increases design complexity and cost, while requiring specific far-field patterns for various radar system applications.

Innovation Solution

A method for conformal array pattern synthesis using a solution space pruning particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) that converts excitation between conformal and uniform arrays, prunes the solution space, and optimizes array element excitation to satisfy constraints on peak side lobe level (SLL), first null maximum width, expected null positions, and null depths within a reasonable DRR of array element excitation amplitude.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a high dynamic range ratio (DRR) of array element excitation amplitude is used to generate conformal array pattern, then the desired array pattern can be achieved, but the design difficulty of feed network increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearray pattern synthesis precisionVSAvoidfeed network design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the conformal array pattern synthesis problem into a uniform array problem by changing the coordinate system and applying element pattern compensation. This parameter transformation allows using uniform array excitation methods instead of requiring high DRR conformal array excitation, thereby reducing feed network complexity while maintaining pattern synthesis accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an equivalent uniform array model that copies the essential radiation characteristics of the conformal array. By designing excitation for the uniform array model and mapping it back to the conformal array, the complex high-precision excitation requirements are replaced with simpler uniform array excitation design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If a high dynamic range ratio (DRR) of array element excitation amplitude is used to generate conformal array pattern, then the desired array pattern can be achieved, but the cost of array feed network increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearray pattern synthesis precisionVSAvoidarray feed network cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the problem parameters by transforming from conformal array coordinates to uniform array coordinates, allowing the use of standard uniform array feed network designs instead of custom high-precision conformal feed networks, thereby reducing manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by first designing for a simpler uniform array and then mapping the solution to the conformal array configuration, rather than directly designing for the complex conformal array, thus avoiding high manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If solution space pruning PSO is used for conformal array pattern synthesis, then optimization efficiency and accuracy are improved, but algorithm complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimization efficiencyVSAvoidalgorithm complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by first transforming the conformal array problem into a uniform array problem before applying PSO optimization. This preliminary transformation simplifies the solution space structure, allowing the PSO algorithm to converge faster and more accurately despite the added transformation steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The uniform array model serves as an intermediary between the conformal array specification and the PSO optimization process. This intermediary transformation simplifies the optimization landscape, improving PSO efficiency while the added transformation complexity is offset by the simplified search space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11624817B2Method for conformal array pattern synthesis based on solution space pruning particle swarm optimization algorithm

Publication Date: 2023.04.11 ZHEJIANG UNIV

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method for conformal array pattern synthesis based on a solution space pruning particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO), the method comprises taking a suppression index of a peak side lobe level (SLL) as a first index, obtaining the first array element excitation satisfying the first index under the constraint of the dynamic range ratio (DRR) of the array element excitation amplitude through iterations; obtaining a second array element excitation satisfying the multiple optimization objectives under the constraint of the DRR of the array element excitation amplitude by a solution algorithm according to the first array element excitation.