Contoured Phased-Array Panels for Uniform Element Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phased-array radar antenna modules face issues with non-uniform antenna element spacing due to flat panel edges, leading to reduced main beam power and increased side lobe gain, which complicates signal processing and increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing contoured edges on antenna panels to ensure uniform spacing between adjacent elements, allowing integration of RF circuitry directly onto the panel and eliminating the need for external cabling, thereby reducing noise and signal losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If flat panel edges are used in conventional antenna modules, then manufacturing is simpler, but non-uniform antenna element spacing occurs leading to reduced main beam power and increased side lobe gain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the panel edges by implementing contoured edges instead of flat edges. This curvature allows antenna elements along the contoured edges to be positioned at uniform distances from adjacent elements, eliminating the non-uniform spacing that occurs with flat edges. The contoured edge design maintains manufacturing feasibility while achieving the desired uniform element spacing for optimal radar performance.
2Measurement precision
If antenna elements are spaced closer together to detect smaller objects, then detection capability improves, but the field of view decreases due to grating lobes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing contoured edges specifically at the panel boundaries where non-uniform spacing occurs, while maintaining uniform spacing throughout the interior of the antenna array. This localized modification at the edges allows the overall system to achieve both close element spacing for detecting small objects and an expanded field of view by eliminating grating lobes that would otherwise limit angular coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Two-dimensional (2D) phased-array antenna panels having contoured edges. When combined with like 2D phased-array antenna panels to form a 2D phased-array antenna module, antenna elements located along each contoured edge of a given 2D antenna panel are separated by a first distance from a corresponding antenna element located along a contoured edge of an adjacent 2D antenna panel. The first distance being equal to the distance between adjacent antenna elements on the same 2D antenna panel.