Cross-Shaped Antenna Array for 2D Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 2D electronic beamforming systems for consumer-type radar and communication products are costly and complex due to the need for phase shifters, variable gain amplifiers, and complex control circuitry, limiting their adoption in emerging applications like automotive radar and multi-mode radar products.
Innovation Solution
A cross-shaped antenna array comprising two perpendicular linear arrays with a common radiation element and feed ports at each end, allowing for the superposition of squinted antenna beams by controlling feed signals to achieve 2D beamforming in elevation and azimuth, optionally using variable phase shifters without additional variable gain amplifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If phased array technology is used for 2D electronic beamforming, then beam steering capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to phase shifters, variable gain amplifiers and control circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes variable gain amplifiers and complex control circuitry from the phased array system, retaining only the essential radiation elements and feed ports. This extraction of unnecessary components directly reduces device complexity while preserving beam steering capability through the cross-shaped geometry and phase shifter-only architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive and complex variable gain amplifiers with simpler, more cost-effective phase shifters only. This substitution uses cheaper components that achieve the same beamforming function with reduced complexity, directly addressing the cost and complexity issues of traditional phased arrays.
2Adaptability or versatility
If phased array technology is used for 2D electronic beamforming, then beam steering capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to phase shifters, variable gain amplifiers and control circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes variable gain amplifiers and complex control circuitry from the system, leaving only radiation elements, feed ports, and phase shifters. This reduction in component count directly lowers manufacturing cost while maintaining beam steering functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes expensive variable gain amplifiers with cheaper phase shifters only, creating a more cost-effective manufacturing solution. This component substitution maintains the essential beam steering capability while significantly reducing the bill of materials cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple feed ports are used for 2D beamforming, then beam direction control is improved, but sensitivity to frequency and phase errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric cross-shaped arrangement of radiation elements with feed ports positioned at the ends of each arm. This asymmetric geometry creates a radiation pattern that is inherently more robust to frequency and phase variations, reducing sensitivity while maintaining precise beam direction control through the four feed ports.
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
Enables robust and efficient 2D beamforming in multiple directions, reducing complexity and cost by allowing electronic steering of antenna beams with different polarizations, and is less sensitive to frequency and phase errors, making it suitable for compact, versatile radar applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first linear array of first radiation elements, a second linear array of second radiation elements
Implementation Method 2
a feed port at each end of said first and second linear arrays for reception of a feed signal
Data Source
AI summary
A cross-shaped antenna array comprises a first linear array of first radiation elements, a second linear array of second radiation elements, wherein said second linear array is arranged substantially perpendicular to said first linear array, a common radiation element arranged at the intersection of said first linear array and said second linear array, and a feed port at each end of said first and second linear arrays for reception of a feed signal.