Dual-Band Patch Antenna Array With Driven-Parasitic Resonance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna arrays typically operate at a single frequency, limiting their application in dual-frequency RADAR communication and imaging tasks, and existing fabrication methods like photolithography are time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The development of dual-band antenna arrays with driven and parasitic patches, fabricated using a proto laser and extrusion plating, allowing operation at multiple frequencies (e.g., 78 GHz and 94 GHz) through a coplanar waveguide-based design with optimized gaps and vias for reduced higher-order current and compact structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional antenna arrays operate at a single frequency, then the design and fabrication are simple, but the application in dual-frequency RADAR communication and imaging is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is designed to operate at multiple frequencies (dual-band operation at 77 GHz and 94 GHz) by incorporating both driven patches and parasitic patches that resonate at different frequencies. This multi-functional design allows a single antenna structure to serve both RADAR communication and imaging applications simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between frequency versatility and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna elements are arranged in a nested configuration where parasitic patches are positioned around driven patches within the same unit cell structure. This nesting approach allows multiple resonant modes to coexist in a compact arrangement, enabling dual-frequency operation without proportionally increasing the overall device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If photolithography or nanofabrication techniques are used to fabricate antenna arrays, then manufacturing precision can be achieved, but fabrication time is excessive and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional photolithography and nanofabrication processes with laser-based direct writing and extrusion plating techniques. This substitution maintains manufacturing precision for antenna element dimensions while dramatically reducing fabrication time and improving productivity, as laser direct writing enables rapid prototyping without the multiple processing steps required by photolithography.
Solution Approach 2:
The extrusion plating process allows conductive materials to be directly deposited and shaped into antenna elements through a controlled extrusion mechanism, eliminating the need for complex photoresist coating, patterning, and etching steps. This self-service fabrication approach achieves both precision and speed by combining material deposition and shaping in a single operation.
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 solution enables efficient operation at two frequencies, enhancing RADAR communication and imaging capabilities while reducing fabrication time and costs compared to traditional methods, with demonstrated good performance in reflection coefficient and radiation gain.
Implementation Method 1
a coplanar waveguide (CPW) comprising a first source patch, a second source patch, and a source microstrip feedline
Implementation Method 2
Each antenna element (e.g., each unit cell having a single antenna element) can include a driven patch that is excited directly and a parasitic patch that is excited by the driven patch
Data Source
AI summary
Antenna arrays, antenna elements for said arrays, and methods of fabricating and using the same are provided. Antenna arrays can be operated at multiple frequencies, such as at two different frequencies for Radio Detection And Ranging (RADAR) communication and for imaging applications. Each antenna element can include a driven patch that is excited directly and a parasitic patch that is excited by the driven patch.