Diamond Phased Array Antenna for Reducing Side Lobe Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication systems face challenges in reducing side lobe interference, particularly in mobile environments, where existing solutions like reflector antennas are cumbersome and circular planar arrays generate high amplitude side lobes, limiting spectral efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A phased array antenna system with a diamond shape is used, featuring a first axis and a second axis aligned with a reference plane shared by airborne communications relay platforms, which is reoriented to maintain alignment with the plane as the platforms change position, reducing side lobe interference through selective energization of radiating elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If reflector antennas are used to reduce side lobe interference, then side lobe interference is reduced, but the profile becomes large and mechanical beam pointing mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam pointing mechanisms with electronic phase shifting control. Each radiating element is equipped with independent phase shifters that enable electronic steering of the main beam and control of side lobes without any moving parts, thus eliminating the complexity of mechanical systems while maintaining the ability to reduce side lobe interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a reconfigurable antenna array where the radiation pattern can be dynamically adjusted by changing the phase and amplitude of signals fed to each radiating element. This allows the system to adaptively steer beams and control side lobes electronically, providing dynamic control without mechanical movement
2Device complexity
If circular planar arrays are used to achieve low profile and electronic beam steering, then profile is reduced and electronic beam steering is enabled, but high amplitude side lobes are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different amplitude and phase weights to different radiating elements in the array. By optimizing the local characteristics of each element's excitation, the system achieves both low side lobe levels and maintains electronic beam steering capability. The diamond-shaped geometry with optimized weighting provides localized control over the radiation pattern
3Productivity
If conventional antenna arrays are used in mobile environments, then basic communication is achieved, but side lobe interference limits spectral efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a diamond-shaped antenna array geometry instead of conventional symmetric circular or rectangular arrangements. This asymmetric configuration, combined with optimized phase and amplitude weighting, creates a radiation pattern with reduced side lobe interference in the azimuth plane, thereby improving spectral efficiency for ground-to-air communications
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 diamond-shaped phased array antenna system effectively reduces side lobe interference by dynamically reconfiguring its radiation pattern, improving spectral efficiency and signal quality in mobile wireless communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
a phased array antenna system having an adaptable diamond shape... The diamond shape is reoriented to maintain the first axis aligned with the reference plane... reducing side lobe interference through selective energization of radiating elements
Data Source
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AI summary
An antenna system includes an array of radiating elements forming a diamond shape. The diamond shape includes a first axis and a second axis. The diamond shape is oriented with the first axis aligned with a reference plane shared by a plurality of airborne communications relay platforms. The diamond shape is reoriented to maintain the first axis aligned with the reference plane in response to a change in position of the reference plane relative to the array.