Wideband DF Aperture Layout for Low-Drag Wide-Frequency Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional radar antenna systems require multiple apertures to cover large frequency bands, which increases weight and drag, limiting their range and suitability for missile and unmanned aircraft systems.
Innovation Solution
A single planar array with four or more antenna elements of varying sizes, configured in a specific pattern for wide frequency bandwidth signal reception, using correlative interferometry to resolve ambiguities and enable direction finding capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple apertures are used to cover a wide frequency band, then the frequency coverage is improved, but the weight and drag increase, reducing the range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple aperture functions into a single planar array by using antenna elements of varying sizes. The first antenna element is sized for lower frequencies while the second antenna element is smaller for higher frequencies, allowing one physical structure to perform what traditionally required multiple separate apertures.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the single planar array have different antenna element sizes tailored to specific frequency ranges. The first antenna element has a larger size optimized for lower frequencies, while the second antenna element has a smaller size optimized for higher frequencies, creating local specialization within a unified structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple apertures are used to cover a wide frequency band, then the frequency coverage is improved, but the drag increases, reducing the range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple aperture functions into a single planar array structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate antenna assemblies. This consolidation reduces the overall physical footprint and aerodynamic profile, thereby reducing drag on missile and UAS platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single planar array is designed to perform multiple frequency coverage functions that traditionally required separate apertures. By making one structure universal across a wide frequency band through varying antenna element sizes, the system eliminates redundant structures that would increase drag.
3Weight of moving object
If a single planar array with varying antenna element sizes is used, then the weight and form factor are reduced, but the direction finding performance across extreme wide band may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having different antenna elements optimized for different frequency ranges within the single planar array. The first antenna element's larger size provides better performance at lower frequencies, while the second antenna element's smaller size maintains performance at higher frequencies, ensuring reliable direction finding across the entire extreme wide band.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of antenna element size to optimize performance across different frequency ranges. By varying the size parameter of different antenna elements within the single planar array, the system maintains reliable direction finding performance across the extreme wide frequency band while keeping the overall structure lightweight.
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 design provides a lightweight, compact antenna system capable of covering a wide frequency range with reduced ambiguities, allowing for confident direction finding and target tracking, while minimizing weight and drag, thus enhancing the range and performance of aerial vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
configured, with each of the antenna elements working in tandem, for a signal reception of a wide frequency bandwidth
Data Source
AI summary
A wideband direction finding (WBDF) aperture employs a limited number of extreme wideband end-fire antenna elements capable of covering a wide frequency bandwidth. Arranging variable sized antenna elements in a specific pattern, the WBDF aperture enables direction finding capability covering an extreme wide frequency band. The pattern arrangement of variable sized elements offers the signal discernment to limit ambiguities in signal angle of arrival. This small form factor design enables the WBDF aperture to be mounted on the surface of a missile, munition, or small UAS wing or fuselage. The WBDF aperture offers a combination of differing sized antenna elements arranged in a specific pattern, combined with direction finding and signal tracking to provide an unambiguous relative azimuth and elevation angle of the target.