Multi-Core Dielectric Waveguide Feed for Miniaturized Reflector Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reflector antennas are large, costly, and complex, limiting their efficiency and practicality in microwave communication applications such as satellite communication and radar.
Innovation Solution
A multi-core dielectric circular waveguide (MCDCW) with hybrid mode excitation is used to miniaturize reflector antennas, employing different dielectric materials and feeding methods like tapered air-filled waveguides, metallic patches, and L-probe feedings to generate the HE11 mode, reducing size and maintaining high gain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional feed structures (horn antenna, dipole array, spiral antenna, open end waveguide) are used to feed reflector antenna, then the antenna can achieve high gain and narrow pencil beam, but the size, cost, and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the feed structure by using a dielectric-filled circular waveguide instead of conventional metallic horn or array structures. This parameter change enables achieving high gain with a simpler, more compact design that avoids the complexity of dipole arrays or spiral antennas while maintaining the narrow pencil beam characteristic essential for reflector antenna operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary complex components from conventional feed structures. By using a simple dielectric-filled waveguide with appropriate mode excitation, it removes the need for complex metallic horns, multiple dipole elements, or spiral winding structures, thereby reducing overall system complexity while preserving the essential function of generating a focused beam for the reflector antenna
2Power
If conventional feed structures are used to feed reflector antenna, then the antenna can achieve high gain and narrow pencil beam, but the size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the feed structure by filling the waveguide with dielectric material, which increases the effective permittivity and allows for a more compact design. This enables achieving the same gain and beam characteristics in a smaller physical volume compared to conventional air-filled horn antennas or large array structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the dielectric element is placed inside the circular waveguide, creating a compact integrated structure. This nesting approach allows the feed structure to be miniaturized while maintaining its electromagnetic functionality, reducing the overall size required to achieve high gain compared to external or distributed structures
3Shape
If conventional feed structures are used to feed reflector antenna, then the antenna can achieve narrow pencil beam, but the size, cost, and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electromagnetic parameters by utilizing specific mode excitation (TE11 or TM01) in the dielectric-filled waveguide. This parameter change enables generating a clean, focused pencil beam suitable for reflector antenna operation without requiring the complex phase and amplitude control needed in array structures or the intricate geometry of spiral antennas
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 MCDCW design achieves a significant size reduction while maintaining high gain and low cross-polarization levels, resulting in a lightweight, cost-effective, and durable antenna with improved environmental protection and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A hybrid mode (HE11) which, in prior art embodiments, can be generated from coupling both the TE11 and TM11 modes using corrugated structures
Implementation Method 2
a first permittivity in the first layer, has a second permittivity in the second layer, has an N-th permittivity in the N-th layer
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-core dielectric circular waveguide (MCDCW) is described. A hybrid mode excitation for multi-core dielectric filled circular waveguide fed parabolic antenna is also described. A multi-core dielectric circular waveguide with four cylinders of different relative permittivity (∈r) inside each other is used to generate the hybrid mode (HE11) directly without need for coupling TE11 and TM11 modes as in prior art corrugated waveguide feeders. This mode is preferable to be used as operating mode to feed the reflector. Four concentric cylinders of different relative permittivity ∈r are used as an example.