Cross-Polarized Patch Antenna Arrays for Wideband Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna technologies face challenges in reducing size and weight while maintaining bandwidth and scan angle capabilities, with existing solutions often compromising on bandwidth or stability and cost.
Innovation Solution
The development of reduced-size patch-type radiators with a cross-polarized feed signal network and multi-layered printed circuit boards, utilizing polyphenylene ether substrates and capacitive coupling to achieve wider scan angles and beamwidths, along with a dielectric loading extension for frequency tuning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the size of antenna radiators is reduced, then weight and volume are reduced, but bandwidth decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-layer patch antenna structure combining different dielectric materials with distinct properties. The first substrate has dielectric constant εr1 and the second substrate has dielectric constant εr2, where εr1 ≠ εr2. This composite material approach allows the antenna to achieve broader bandwidth while maintaining reduced size, as different dielectric materials contribute to different resonant modes and frequency responses, effectively expanding the operational bandwidth without increasing physical dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional patch antennas to a three-dimensional multi-layer structure. By stacking multiple patch elements at different heights and orientations with间距 (spacing) between layers, the antenna utilizes the vertical dimension to create additional resonant paths and modes. This dimensional expansion enables broader bandwidth operation while keeping the footprint area small, effectively decoupling bandwidth from planar size constraints.
2Volume of moving object
If the size of antenna radiators is reduced, then volume is reduced, but Q factor increases and bandwidth decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-layer structure with different dielectric constants creates multiple resonant modes that can be tuned to overlap and broaden the overall bandwidth. The first patch layer and second patch layer, separated by different dielectric substrates, generate complementary frequency responses that when combined provide extended bandwidth operation, overcoming the high Q-factor limitation of compact single-layer designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable spacing between the first and second patch layers, allowing dynamic tuning of the antenna's resonant characteristics. By varying the distance between layers and adjusting feed network configurations, the antenna can be optimized for different bandwidth requirements while maintaining compact volume, providing flexibility to balance size and bandwidth performance.
3Quantity of substance
If air-filled patch antennas are used to achieve broad bandwidth, then bandwidth is improved, but cost increases and structural stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses solid dielectric substrates with different dielectric constants instead of air-filled structures. This approach maintains the bandwidth benefits of multi-layer configurations while using conventional PCB fabrication materials and processes. The solid substrates provide mechanical support and can be manufactured using standard printed circuit board techniques, reducing both cost and complexity compared to air-filled or mechanically assembled multi-layer structures.
4Shape
If vertical metallic walls are added to support wide beamwidth and large scan angles, then beamwidth is improved, but only single polarization radiation is possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves wide beamwidth and large scan angle capabilities through the vertical stacking of multiple patch layers with different orientations, eliminating the need for lateral metallic walls. The three-dimensional arrangement of radiating elements in the vertical dimension provides the necessary beam shaping and scanning performance while maintaining openness on all sides, thereby supporting both horizontal and vertical polarization modes simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is divided into multiple independent patch layers, each capable of supporting different polarization modes. The first patch layer and second patch layer can be independently fed and controlled, allowing the system to generate and maintain both horizontal and vertical polarization components, achieving versatile polarization capability without requiring enclosing metallic walls.
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
This solution enables wider scan angles and beamwidths with improved impedance matching and broader bandwidth, reducing the size and weight of antennas while maintaining performance, and offers cost-effective and stable antenna arrays.
Implementation Method 1
A patch radiating element is provided on a forward facing surface of the patch carrier and is capacitively coupled to a plurality of feed signal lines
Implementation Method 2
The patch carrier includes a substrate (e.g., polyphenylene ether (PPE)) having a plurality of cavities therein
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna includes a cross-polarized feed signal network configured to convert first and second radio frequency (RF) input feed signals into first and second pairs of cross-polarized feed signals at respective first and second pairs of feed signal output ports. A patch carrier is provided on the cross-polarized feed signal network. The patch carrier includes a substrate having a plurality of cavities therein, and first and second pairs of feed signal lines, which are electrically coupled to the first and second pairs of feed signal output ports and extend on sidewalls of the plurality of cavities. A patch radiating element is provided on the patch carrier. The patch radiating element is capacitively coupled to the first and second pairs of feed signal lines.