Curved Antenna Array Substrate for Equal-Gain Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patch array antenna systems struggle to maintain equal gain values in multiple directions during beam forming operations, particularly when steering the main lobe in the azimuth direction, due to the flat substrate configuration.
Innovation Solution
The antenna system employs a first substrate with a curved configuration relative to a second substrate, allowing at least one antenna element to be disposed on a curved surface, and incorporates a control device to adjust the radiation pattern, ensuring equal gain in any direction through beam forming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a flat substrate configuration is used for the antenna array, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the gain values cannot be maintained equal in multiple directions during beam forming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the substrate surface where antenna elements are disposed. The curved substrate configuration allows the antenna elements to be positioned on a curved surface rather than a flat plane, enabling equal gain in multiple directions during beam forming operations while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard curved substrate fabrication processes
2Manufacturing precision
If a curved substrate configuration is used for the antenna array, then equal gain in any direction can be achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the substrate from flat to curved, specifically utilizing a curved surface configuration that enables equal gain radiation patterns in all directions. This parameter change is implemented through standard curved substrate fabrication techniques, balancing manufacturing complexity with performance requirements
3Reliability
If antenna elements are disposed on a curved surface, then beam forming performance is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a curved substrate configuration where antenna elements are disposed on the curved surface. This curvature enables improved beam forming performance and equal gain in multiple directions while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure, as the curvature is integrated into the substrate itself rather than requiring additional complex mechanical components
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure can include a first substrate that can include an antenna array that can have a plurality of antenna elements. The antenna system can further include a second substrate that can be spaced apart from the first substrate and can include a radio frequency circuit that can be operable to carry a radio frequency signal to communicate via the antenna array. The first substrate can have a curved configuration relative to the second substrate such that at least one of the plurality of antenna elements can be disposed on a curved surface of the first substrate.