Dielectric Waveguide Antenna Array for Low-Sidelobe Beam Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-gain antennas face limitations such as limited bandwidth, side lobes that reduce antenna gain and cause interference, and lack of variability in beam profiles, making existing solutions like dish, parabolic, and patch antennas either expensive or inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A phased array system utilizing dielectric waveguide antennas (DWAs) with adjustable height and spacing to achieve various beam profiles, minimizing side lobes and enhancing signal transmission and reception with higher gain, lower loss, and wider bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If dish antennas or parabolic antennas are used to achieve high gain, then antenna gain is improved, but device size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple discrete patch antenna elements arranged in a phased array configuration. Each patch element is a separate radiating unit that can be individually controlled, allowing the system to achieve high gain through constructive interference of multiple smaller elements rather than requiring a single large dish or parabolic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple patch antenna elements into a single phased array system that operates as one unified high-gain antenna. By merging the radiating functions of multiple elements and coordinating their phases, the system achieves the high gain of large antennas while maintaining a compact form factor.
2Area of stationary object
If horn antennas are used to reduce size, then device size is reduced, but cost remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna into multiple simple patch elements that can be manufactured using standard PCB fabrication techniques. Each patch is a straightforward planar structure that is inexpensive to produce, and the modular nature allows for cost-effective assembly and deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs patch antennas that can be manufactured as low-cost, potentially disposable components using printed circuit board technology. These patches are inexpensive enough that the system can be economically deployed in large numbers or replaced if needed, eliminating the high cost associated with traditional horn antennas.
3Area of stationary object
If patch antennas are used in phased arrays, then device complexity is reduced and size is minimized, but bandwidth and gain are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements electronic phase shifting and amplitude control for each patch element in the array. By dynamically adjusting the phase and amplitude of signals fed to individual patches, the system can electronically steer the beam and optimize gain in different directions without physically moving the antenna structure, thereby achieving high gain with a compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the electrical parameters (phase, amplitude, frequency) of the signals applied to different patch elements to achieve beamforming and gain enhancement. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system overcomes the inherent limitations of individual patch antennas and achieves high gain performance.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional phased arrays with patch antennas are used, then side lobes are present causing interference, but eliminating them requires complex additional structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs amplitude tapering and phase optimization across the patch array elements to suppress side lobe levels. By carefully controlling the amplitude and phase parameters of each element, the system reduces side lobe interference without adding complex physical structures, achieving cleaner radiation patterns through intelligent signal control.
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 DWA phased array system enables long-range communication with higher signal strength, better signal quality, and broader frequency operation, effectively reducing side lobes and interference while allowing for customizable beam profiles.
Implementation Method 1
dielectric waveguide antennas (DWAs) with adjustable height and spacing to achieve various beam profiles
Implementation Method 2
allows the system to benefit from the interference properties of waves when controlled
Data Source
AI summary
A signal transmission device comprising a phased array comprising a plurality of dielectric antennas. The device may be configured to generate a signal having a beam profile based on one or more properties of the plurality of dielectric antennas. The one or more properties may comprise a height of one or more antennas of the plurality of dielectric antennas, a distance between the plurality of dielectric antennas, or a combination thereof.