Conformal Phased-Array Antenna Element Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conformal phased array antennas face challenges in maintaining desired radiation patterns due to the curved surface on which they are mounted, leading to energy losses from phase, polarization, and amplitude mismatches among antenna elements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that analyze structural data of the conformal antenna, including geometry and element arrangement, to determine operational data for each antenna element, such as amplitude, phase, and polarization, to maximize coherent addition and direct radiation in a specific spatial direction, using a computerized system with a direction controller and beam forming module to adjust these parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If antenna elements are mounted on a curved surface to conform to the shape, then the antenna integrates better with the platform and saves space, but phase and polarization mismatches occur leading to energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each antenna element have different operational characteristics (phase, polarization, amplitude) tailored to its specific location on the curved surface. The system determines individual operational data for each element based on its position, allowing each element to contribute optimally to the overall radiation pattern despite the curved geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (phase, polarization, amplitude) of individual antenna elements to compensate for the curved surface effects. By adjusting these parameters based on structural data and selected direction, the system maximizes coherent addition and reduces energy losses while maintaining the conformal shape.
2Productivity
If all antenna elements are operated to provide coverage, then the radiation pattern is comprehensive, but coherent addition is reduced due to phase and polarization mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects a subset of M elements out of N total elements to operate for a given direction, rather than operating all elements. This partial action approach maximizes coherent addition by selecting only those elements that can contribute effectively to the desired radiation pattern in the selected direction, reducing the negative effects of phase and polarization mismatches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the antenna array into multiple elements and selectively activates specific segments (M elements) based on the selected direction and structural data. This segmentation allows the system to optimize performance for specific directions by using only the appropriate subset of elements.
3Manufacturing precision
If phase shifters are used to compensate for path length differences, then directionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical phase shifter systems with a computational approach. Instead of using complex hardware phase shifters to compensate for path length differences, the system uses a processor to calculate and apply corrective phase, polarization, and amplitude data to each antenna element, achieving the same effect with simpler hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the structural data of the antenna array itself to determine the operational parameters needed for each element. The processor analyzes the known geometry and element positions to self-determine the corrective measures needed, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or complex control systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Improves the directionality and efficiency of conformal antenna radiation by optimizing phase, polarization, and amplitude corrections for each antenna element, reducing energy losses and enhancing the desired radiation pattern.
Implementation Method 1
Conformal antennas typically utilize a phased array of antenna elements, where each antenna element is driven by a controlled phase shifter, to provide directionality of radiation pattern of the antenna
Implementation Method 2
the phase shifters operate to compensate for the different phase shifts caused by the varying path lengths of the radiation waves due to the location of the individual antenna elements on the curved surface
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
A method (100) and system (10) are presented for managing operation of a conformal phased-array antenna. The method comprises: providing structural data about the antenna to be operated (102), said structural data comprising data indicative of a geometry of a curved radiating surface defined by an arrangement of N antenna elements of the phased array and data indicative of said arrangement of N antenna elements; utilizing input data indicative of a selected direction of antenna operation (106) and processing said structural data about the antenna, said processing comprising determining operational data for each of the antenna elements defining a desired radiation pattern of the antenna for said selected direction, said operational data comprising amplitude, phase and polarization of radiation for each antenna element.