Ultra-Wideband CTS Flat-Plate Array Antenna Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CTS flat-plate array antennas have a limited relative bandwidth due to the narrow bandwidth of traditional rectangular waveguides and mode switching cavities, restricting their wideband capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The ultra-wideband CTS flat-plate array antenna incorporates a mode switching layer with H-plane Y-type single-ridge waveguide power dividers and an E-plane T-type single-ridge waveguide power divider, along with a feed network layer featuring H-plane T-type single-ridge waveguide power dividers, to enhance bandwidth and impedance matching, allowing for wider frequency operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rectangular waveguides and mode switching cavities are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the relative bandwidth is narrow (about 20%)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces single-ridge waveguide structures with specific ridge dimensions (width w1=2.4mm, height h1=1.2mm) and multi-section impedance transformation structures with varying dimensions. These parameter changes modify the waveguide characteristics to achieve ultra-wideband operation (19.1% to 42.0 GHz) while maintaining structural feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The mode switching cavity is divided into multiple functional sections including H-plane Y-type power dividers, E-plane T-type power dividers, and impedance transformation sections. Each section performs a specific function in the signal distribution and mode conversion process, enabling broadband operation through segmented functional decomposition
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mode switching cavities with narrow bandwidth are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the antenna cannot achieve wideband operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs systematic parameter optimization including ridge waveguide dimensions (w1, h1, w2, h2), cavity lengths (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6), and spacing parameters (d1, d2, d3, d4) to achieve ultra-wideband performance. These parameter changes enable frequency operation from 19.1 GHz to 42.0 GHz while maintaining manufacturability through standardized fabrication processes
3Adaptability or versatility
If H-plane Y-type single-ridge waveguide power dividers and E-plane T-type single-ridge waveguide power dividers are introduced to increase bandwidth, then the relative bandwidth increases to ultra-wideband, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines H-plane Y-type single-ridge waveguide power dividers with E-plane T-type single-ridge waveguide power dividers in an integrated mode switching cavity structure. This merging of different power divider types enables simultaneous achievement of ultra-wideband operation and efficient power distribution across multiple output ports
Solution Approach 2:
The mode switching cavity serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a power dividing network, a mode converter (TE10 to TEM), and an impedance matching structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and enables ultra-wideband operation through unified structural design
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 configuration increases the relative bandwidth of the antenna, achieving a return loss below -10 dB from 26 GHz to 42 GHz and maintaining high gain across the frequency band, thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional designs.
Implementation Method 1
Each mode switching unit comprises eight H-plane Y-type single-ridge waveguide power dividers which are arrayed in 4 rows and 2 columns
Implementation Method 2
The two H-plane Y-type single-ridge waveguide power dividers in each row are connected through an E-plane T-type single-ridge waveguide power divider
Implementation Method 3
the mode switching layer comprises a first metal plate and a mode switching cavity formed in the first metal plate
Implementation Method 4
the radiating unit is formed by E-plane step horns and is used for radiating a plurality of paths of signals into a free space
Data Source
AI summary
An ultra-wideband CTS flat-plate array antenna includes a radiating layer, a mode switching layer and a feed network layer sequentially arrayed from top to bottom. The mode switching layer comprises a first metal plate and a mode switching cavity formed in the first metal plate and including two mode switching units which are arranged left and right and each includes eight H-plane Y-type single-ridge waveguide power dividers arrayed in 4 rows and 2 columns. The H-plane Y-type single-ridge waveguide power divider in the mth row and 1st column is bilaterally symmetrical with the H-plane Y-type single-ridge waveguide power divider in the mth row and 2nd column. The two H-plane Y-type single-ridge waveguide power dividers in the each row are connected through an E-plane T-type single-ridge waveguide power divider. A center distance between every two adjacent H-plane Y-type single-ridge waveguide power dividers in each column is not over one wavelength.