Congruent Non-Uniform Antenna Arrays Using Coprime Moduli

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional uniform linear antenna arrays face challenges in handling higher frequency applications due to the need for closer antenna element spacing to eliminate grating lobes, which limits bandwidth and requires multiple arrays, occupying valuable physical space.

Innovation Solution

The development of congruent non-uniform linear antenna arrays using coprime moduli sets to determine optimal spacing, allowing for wider element spacing while preserving unambiguous phase information, enabling wider bandwidth and trade-offs between array gain and grating lobe formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If antenna elements are spaced closely to eliminate grating lobes, then grating lobe suppression is improved, but bandwidth is limited and array length increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrating lobe suppressionVSAvoidbandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies non-uniform spacing between antenna elements, breaking the symmetry of conventional uniform arrays. By using coprime moduli sets to determine variable spacings, the array achieves grating lobe suppression without the bandwidth limitations of uniform close spacing, allowing wider element separations while maintaining performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spacing parameter from uniform to non-uniform values determined by coprime moduli sets. This parameter transformation allows the array to achieve grating lobe suppression through mathematical relationships between spacings rather than relying solely on small uniform spacing, thereby enabling wider bandwidth operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If antenna elements are spaced closely to eliminate grating lobes, then grating lobe suppression is improved, but array length increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrating lobe suppressionVSAvoidarray length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The non-uniform spacing configuration allows certain elements to be farther apart while others are closer, achieving grating lobe suppression through the asymmetric pattern rather than requiring all elements to be closely spaced. This reduces the overall array length needed to achieve the same suppression performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

By transforming the spacing parameter from uniform to non-uniform values based on coprime moduli, the array achieves equivalent or superior grating lobe suppression with reduced total length, as the mathematical relationships between variable spacings provide suppression without requiring extended array dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antenna arrays are used to handle higher frequency applications, then frequency coverage is improved, but physical space occupation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency coverageVSAvoidphysical space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a single antenna array configuration that serves multiple frequency applications through its non-uniform spacing designed with coprime moduli sets. This universal design handles higher frequency applications without requiring separate arrays, reducing the physical space needed while maintaining broad frequency coverage and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If electronic backend modules are placed near antenna elements, then signal conditioning is improved, but module size becomes larger than element spacing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal conditioningVSAvoidmodule size relative to spacing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the spacing parameters to non-uniform values determined by coprime moduli sets, the patent creates sufficient physical room for electronic backend modules near antenna elements without compromising grating lobe suppression. The variable spacing provides flexibility to accommodate larger modules while maintaining the required performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9912074B2Congruent non-uniform antenna arrays

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Systems, methods, and apparatus for forming an antenna array are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the disclosed method involves determining at least one coprime moduli set based upon a differential phase gain requirement and a differential phase range requirement for the antenna array. The method further involves producing at least one configuration for relative spacing of antenna elements of the antenna array by using at least one coprime moduli set. Also, the method involves choosing one of configurations for the antenna array to employ by evaluating a resultant gain and an unambiguous angle of arrival (AOA) for each of the configurations. Further, the method involves determining the absolute spacing of the antenna elements of the antenna array for the chosen configuration for the antenna array according to a wavelength requirement for the antenna array.