Co-Planar Dipole Antenna Array With Integrated Baluns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dipole antenna arrays are complex to construct and lack the ability to operate over a wide frequency range, particularly when using Highly-Coupled Dipole (HCD) radiating elements for multi-function array antennas.
Innovation Solution
A dipole antenna array design featuring co-planar antenna units with overlapping or adjacent dipole radiating elements, integrated baluns with microstrip or stripline lines, and a ground plane with slots, allowing for equal path lengths and improved bandwidth, constructed as a monolithic printed circuit board or microwave laminate structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Highly-Coupled Dipole (HCD) radiating elements are used for multi-function array antennas, then bandwidth and polarisation properties are improved, but construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is divided into multiple antenna units, each containing a pair of dipole radiating elements and a balun. This segmentation allows each unit to be designed and constructed independently, reducing overall construction complexity while maintaining the bandwidth and polarisation properties of HCD elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Adjacent dipole radiating elements from different antenna units are merged into a single continuous structure, forming a monolithic antenna array. This merging simplifies construction by eliminating the need for separate mounting structures for each element while preserving the highly-coupled dipole characteristics for improved bandwidth and polarisation.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional dipole antenna arrays are constructed, then construction is simpler, but the ability to operate over a wide frequency range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dipole radiating elements are designed with variable dimensions, specifically with lengths that are multiples of a base length (e.g., L, 2L, 3L). This parameter variation allows the same basic structure to resonate at multiple frequencies, enabling wide frequency range operation while maintaining construction simplicity through repeated modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array is designed as a multi-functional structure where the same physical elements can operate across multiple frequency bands. The dipole elements with lengths L, 2L, 3L can each support multiple resonant frequencies, making the entire array universal for various communication applications without requiring separate antenna structures for different frequency ranges.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dipole radiating elements are arranged in adjacent co-planar antenna units, then bandwidth is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Adjacent dipole radiating elements are merged into a continuous monolithic structure rather than being separate components. This eliminates the need for precise spacing and alignment between individual elements, as the continuous structure inherently maintains the required geometric relationships. The bandwidth benefits of closely-spaced elements are achieved without the manufacturing precision challenges of assembling separate elements.
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
The design enables efficient operation over a wide frequency range, from approximately 2.5GHz to 13GHz, with improved bandwidth and polarization properties, simplifying construction and maintaining co-incident phase centers for dual-polarized arrays.
Implementation Method 1
Each antenna unit includes a pair of dipole radiating elements which are of the bow tie type
Implementation Method 2
Each antenna unit further comprises a balun. The design of the balun can be of any convenient type
Data Source
Figure 1(a)
Figure 1(b)
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AI summary
According to the invention there is provided a dipole antenna array including at least one dipole antenna sub-array, wherein the dipole antenna sub-array includes a plurality of co-planar antenna units, each antenna unit including a pair of dipole radiating elements and a balun having an output line for providing output electrical signals to the pair of dipole radiating elements.