Coupling-Offset Path Branch for Millimeter-Wave Phased Array Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Millimeter-wave array antennas face issues with surface waves and high coupling, which degrade radiation efficiency and scanning angle, and existing high-isolation methods are difficult to extend to large arrays, especially in compact environments.
Innovation Solution
A coupling-offset path branch with symmetrically placed grounded vias and metal strips is introduced between radiating stacked microstrip patch elements, offsetting inherent coupling paths to achieve high-isolation effects, allowing for a compact and expandable design suitable for large-scale millimeter-wave phased array antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional decoupling surface is used to reduce coupling between antenna elements, then isolation between elements is improved, but the antenna array requires extra profile height and complex design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameters by replacing the conventional decoupling surface with a coupling-offset path branch consisting of via holes and metal strips. This structural parameter change achieves decoupling without requiring extra profile height or complex design, thereby resolving the contradiction between isolation improvement and design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential decoupling function from the complex decoupling surface structure and implements it through a simplified coupling-offset path branch. By taking out only the necessary elements (via holes and metal strips) to achieve decoupling, the design complexity and profile height are reduced while maintaining isolation performance.
2Area of stationary object
If antenna elements are placed closer together to reduce overall array size, then the array footprint is reduced, but coupling between elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling-offset path branch as an intermediary structure between adjacent antenna elements. This intermediary consists of via holes and metal strips that provide an alternative current path, offsetting the inherent coupling path and reducing direct coupling between closely spaced elements, thereby enabling compact array design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the coupling problem by transitioning from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional structure with via holes penetrating through the substrate. This dimensional change allows the coupling-offset path to operate in the vertical dimension while maintaining compact horizontal spacing between elements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional high-isolation methods are applied to binary arrays, then isolation between two elements is improved, but the method cannot be extended to large-scale arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal decoupling structure (coupling-offset path branch) that can be applied consistently across binary arrays and large-scale arrays. The same via hole and metal strip configuration can be replicated for any number of antenna elements, providing both isolation improvement and extensibility to large arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the decoupling function into discrete, repeatable units (coupling-offset path branches with specific via holes and metal strips) that can be independently applied between each pair of adjacent antenna elements. This segmentation allows the solution to scale from binary to large arrays through systematic replication.
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 solution enhances isolation between antenna elements, improves active standing-wave ratio and scanning performance, and supports broadband operation while maintaining a simple and compact structure, making it suitable for various array designs and polarizations.
Implementation Method 1
there are problems of a serious surface wave and excessively high coupling in a millimeter-wave antenna array
Implementation Method 2
The coupling-offset path branch is introduced to offset the inherent coupling path, thus achieving a high-isolation effect between the first port and the second port
Implementation Method 3
energy of the feeding network layer is coupled to the corresponding radiating stacked microstrip patch element through the I-shaped slot
Implementation Method 4
A coupling-offset path branch includes two or more first grounded vias and one or more metal strips
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling-offset path branch and a high-isolation millimeter-wave phased array antenna based on the same. The high-isolation millimeter-wave phased array antenna includes a plurality of radiating stacked microstrip patch elements, a shielding metal wall, several coupling-offset path branches, a metal ground plane, a feeding network layer, several ports, wherein the first port is excited, energy of the feeding network layer is coupled to a corresponding radiating stacked microstrip patch element through an I-shaped slot, and the energy is transmitted to the second port adjacent to the first port through an inherent coupling path portion; the coupling-offset path branch is introduced to offset the inherent coupling, thus achieving a high-isolation performance between the first port and the second port. By adopting the simple decoupling branch, the invention can achieve a high-isolation effect in a wide band, improve an active standing-wave ratio and a scanning capability of the array antenna.