Digital Conformal Antenna With Distributed Beamforming Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phased-array antenna systems are bulky and inflexible, leading to unsuitable deployment in various applications due to their size and signal loss issues, particularly in cellular communications and military contexts where a more compact and inconspicuous solution is required.
Innovation Solution
The development of digital conformal antenna systems with integrated antenna elements and electronics, utilizing a digital interface and distribution system to minimize size, weight, and signal loss, allowing for conformal integration on diverse platforms, including aircraft and cellular base stations, with antenna modules capable of multi-band operation and reduced physical dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If analog signal distribution systems with RF cables and manifolds are used, then signal transmission is achieved, but the system becomes heavy and inflexible with large signal losses at longer cable lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical analog RF cable distribution system with a digital signal distribution system. Digital signals are transmitted through lightweight cables to each antenna element, where local digital-to-analog converters generate the final RF signals. This substitution eliminates heavy RF manifolds and long analog cable runs, reducing both weight and signal loss while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the signal conversion function from a centralized analog distribution system to distributed digital-to-analog converters at each antenna element. This segmentation allows digital signals to be transmitted over lightweight cables to individual elements, where conversion to analog RF occurs locally, eliminating the need for heavy analog signal distribution infrastructure.
2Shape
If conventional phased-array antenna systems are designed with sufficient antenna elements and spacing, then desired beam patterns are formed, but the arrays become bulky and obtrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of individual antenna elements through digital signal processing and programmable impedance matching networks. By dynamically adjusting phase, amplitude, and frequency parameters at each element, the system can achieve complex beam patterns and frequency agility without requiring physically large arrays with many widely-spaced elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability in the antenna array through programmable beamforming and impedance matching. The system can dynamically adjust beam directions, widths, and frequencies by changing electrical parameters rather than requiring physical reconfiguration of large antenna structures, enabling compact designs with adaptive performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If antenna elements are integrated inconspicuously into platforms, then aesthetic and aerodynamic requirements are met, but system performance and multi-band operation become difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal antenna elements with programmable impedance matching and multi-band capability. Each antenna element can be electronically reconfigured to operate across multiple frequency bands and support different radiation patterns, allowing compact integrated arrays to maintain versatile performance across diverse operational requirements without compromising reliability.
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 solution enables the creation of compact, lightweight, and flexible phased-array antenna systems that can form directional beams, reducing the overall footprint and signal loss, facilitating wider adoption in various applications while maintaining performance across multiple frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna element to emit and/or absorb radio frequency (RF) signals
Implementation Method 2
a digital distribution system including a digital communications medium to convey digital signals to and/or from respective input/output ports
Data Source
AI summary
A phased-array antenna system includes: an array of discrete antenna modules disposed conformally with an exterior surface of a platform; a digital distribution system comprising a digital communications medium to convey digital signals to and/or from respective input/output ports of the antenna modules; and a controller system to supply and/or receive the digital signals to/from the antenna modules via the digital distribution system. The controller system controls relative phases of the digital signals to enable the antenna elements to form a directive antenna beam pattern. Each antenna module includes: an antenna element to emit and/or absorb RF signals; an input/output port to send and/or receive digital signals; an electronics unit including an A/D and/or D/A converter to provide an interface between the antenna element and the input/output port; and a housing in which the antenna element and electronics unit are packaged.