Conformal Hybrid EO/RF Aperture Volume Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid electro-optical/radio frequency (EO/RF) aperture systems are non-conformal and require significant volume, which is undesirable for applications like aircraft and UAVs where space and drag reduction are critical.
Innovation Solution
A conformal hybrid EO/RF aperture system utilizing a variable inclination continuous transverse stub (VICTS) antenna with a block-out aperture containing an optical phased array (OPA), allowing for a common azimuth rotation axis and optimized RF performance without conductor connections between stubs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If a hybrid EO/RF aperture system is designed to be conformal to reduce volume, then volume requirements are reduced, but RF performance optimization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture system is segmented into multiple VICTS antenna elements arranged in a conformal geometry. Each element can be independently optimized while maintaining overall system performance, allowing the large aperture to be divided into manageable sections that collectively achieve both volume reduction and RF performance optimization
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the conformal aperture are designed with locally optimized characteristics. The VICTS elements are positioned and oriented to achieve optimal RF performance in their respective locations while maintaining the overall conformal shape, allowing each local region to contribute optimally to the total system performance
2Reliability
If non-radiating RF conductors are used to connect stubs in a rotating VICTS antenna, then electrical connectivity is maintained, but routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor routing problem is solved by transitioning from a two-dimensional planar routing approach to a three-dimensional spatial routing approach. Conductors are routed through the third dimension (through the structure or along curved paths in space) rather than being constrained to flat surfaces, eliminating the need for complex routing around rotating elements
Solution Approach 2:
The problematic non-radiating conductors are extracted from the rotating VICTS structure. Instead of routing conductors through the rotating mechanism, the design separates the radiating elements from the conduction paths, using feed networks that do not require rotation or complex routing through moving parts
Data Source
AI summary
A conformal hybrid elctro-optical/radio frequency (EO/RF) aperture including an optical phased array (OPA) in a center portion of the aperture, and a variable inclination continuous transverse stub (VICTS) RF antenna surrounding the OPA using a plurality of continuous transverse stub (CTS) subarrays.