Cylindrical Phased Antenna Array Feed Layout for 360° Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The major challenge in implementing a circular array with 360° beam steering is the design of a feed system to apply the required phase and magnitude excitation without disrupting or distorting the combined radiation pattern of the antenna elements.
Innovation Solution
A phased circular array of antennas is designed using a planar two-sided substrate sheet conformed to a cylinder, featuring paired ground and signal radiating elements with an omnidirectional radiation pattern, coplanar waveguides, and a signal-carrying feed network that is electromagnetically coupled to the coplanar waveguides without interfering with the antenna radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a feed system is designed to apply phase and magnitude excitation to circular array elements, then beam steering capability is improved, but the feed system may disrupt or distort the combined radiation pattern of the antenna elements
Solution Approach 1:
A cylindrical substrate is introduced as an intermediary between the feed network and the radiating elements. The feed network is printed on the interior surface of the substrate while radiating elements are positioned on the exterior surface, allowing electromagnetic energy to transfer through the substrate without direct physical connection that would cause distortion. This mediator approach enables beam steering while preserving the radiation pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed system and radiating elements are separated into different spatial dimensions - the feed network resides on the interior surface of the cylindrical substrate while radiating elements are positioned on the exterior surface. This dimensional separation allows independent optimization of the feed network for beam steering without compromising the radiation characteristics of the elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If antenna elements are placed in a circular array configuration, then 360° beam steering is enabled, but the array size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical substrate serves as a unified platform that combines the feed network, transition structure, and element support into a single integrated component. The feed network printed on the interior surface and the radiating elements on the exterior surface are merged through the substrate, simplifying the overall array configuration while maintaining 360° beam steering capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional feed systems are used with circular arrays, then beam steering is achieved, but the feed system may interfere with or disrupt the radiation from the antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the feed network on the interior surface of the cylindrical substrate and the radiating elements on the exterior surface. This segmentation separates the signal distribution function from the radiation function, preventing interference between the feed system and antenna radiation while enabling independent optimization of each component.
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 enables 360° beam steering around the vertical axis of the cylinder with minimal distortion, simplifies fabrication by printing the array on a planar dielectric sheet, and reduces the array size by powering all elements and adjusting phase excitation for beam steering.
Implementation Method 1
a signal-carrying feed network disposed on an inside surface of the cylinder electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of coplanar waveguides
Implementation Method 2
each antenna of the plurality including paired ground and signal radiating elements having an omnidirectional radiation pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A phased circular array of antennas each having an omnidirectional radiation pattern are disposed on an outside surface of a planar sheet conformed to the shape of a cylinder. A plurality of coplanar waveguides includes a ground line and a signal line feeding the antennas is disposed on the outside surface of the cylinder. A signal-carrying feed network electromagnetically coupled to the coplanar waveguides is disposed on an inside surface of the cylinder which does not interfere with radiation from the antennas. An electrical ground is disposed on the outside surface of the cylinder which is connected to the ground feed of each of the coplanar waveguides and serves as a ground plane for the signal-carrying feed network. The array is configured to provide 360° beam steering around the vertical axis of the cylinder. A method of fabrication is disclosed.