Conformal Antenna Array Taper Profile Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna arrays on non-planar surfaces, such as conformal arrays on curved surfaces, face challenges in determining optimal taper profiles for relative power and phasing, leading to poor performance due to complex mathematical calculations and higher sidelobes, which are undesirable in applications like radar systems.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to design conformal antenna arrays by first determining a planar array configuration, mapping it to a non-planar surface, and calculating a taper profile based on the conformal surface using windowing functions and simulations to achieve desired beamwidth and sidelobe levels, with the use of a flexible substrate and corporate feed network to enable efficient signal transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conformal antenna array is arranged on a non-planar surface, then the array can conform to curved surfaces like aircraft, but the mathematical calculations for determining optimal taper profiles become complex and performance deteriorates with higher sidelobes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing optimal taper profiles in a lookup table before actual array operation. The system pre-processes the complex mathematical calculations for various array configurations and stores the results, so that during operation, the system can quickly retrieve pre-determined taper profiles without performing complex real-time calculations, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and computational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically selecting appropriate taper profiles from the lookup table based on the current array configuration and operational parameters. The system self-determines the optimal taper profile without requiring external manual calculation or intervention, using stored pre-computed data to serve its own configuration needs, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining adaptability
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional taper profiles are used for conformal arrays, then the implementation is simpler, but the sidelobe levels are higher and performance is poorer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the taper profile parameters specifically for conformal arrays based on their unique geometric characteristics. Instead of using conventional taper profiles designed for planar arrays, the system adjusts the amplitude distribution parameters to account for the curved surface geometry, thereby improving sidelobe levels and overall performance while maintaining practical implementability through the lookup table approach
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements local quality by applying different taper profile characteristics to different regions of the conformal array. The lookup table contains specialized taper profiles that are optimized for specific local configurations of the curved array, allowing each region to have the appropriate amplitude distribution tailored to its position on the non-planar surface, thus improving overall array performance while remaining implementable
Data Source
AI summary
In examples, systems and methods for a conformal array are described. In one example, an array is described. The array includes a plurality of antenna elements formed in a conformal array. The conformal array is arranged on a non-planar surface. Additionally, the array includes a respective feed for each of at least a subset of the antennas of the plurality of antenna elements. Each feed of the array is coupled to a respective antenna of the plurality of antennas based on a taper profile determined based on the non-planar surface. In another example, a method of determining an antenna array is disclosed. The method includes determining a planar array configuration for a plurality of antennas. The method further includes mapping the planar array configuration to a conformal surface to form a conformal array. Additionally, the method includes determining a taper profile based on the conformal array.