Dual-Band Stacked Patch Antenna for Band Isolation in Space Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active radiating arrays for space communication are typically single band with one or two polarizations, requiring multiple arrays for uplink and downlink, leading to thermal management, weight, and space constraints, and insufficient isolation between receive and transmit bands.
Innovation Solution
A dual band radiating element with concentrically arranged first and second radiating patch antennas separated by dielectric layers, featuring a feed network that isolates the patches and a modular design for easy installation and replacement, including a base plate with connectors and feed pins for signal routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple single band arrays are used for uplink and downlink, then polarization requirements are met, but thermal management, weight and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple single-band patch antennas into a single dual-band stacked patch antenna structure. The first radiating patch handles one frequency band while the second radiating patch handles another frequency band, both integrated within one antenna assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate arrays for different bands and polarizations, thereby reducing overall weight, space requirements, and thermal management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacked patch antenna structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it supports multiple frequency bands (dual-band operation), multiple polarizations, and both uplink and downlink communications. The first and second radiating patches work together to provide universal communication capability across different bands and polarization modes, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate antenna systems.
2Weight of stationary object
If dual band stacked patch antennas are used, then space and weight are reduced, but isolation between receive and transmit bands becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ground plane as an intermediary element between the first and second radiating patches. This ground plane acts as a shielding barrier that electromagnetic isolation between the transmit and receive bands. Additionally, feed network design with proper grounding and shielding techniques further enhances the isolation, preventing signal leakage and interference between bands while maintaining the compact dual-band structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple arrays are deployed for different bands, then frequency coverage is improved, but thermal management difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple single-band antenna arrays into a single dual-band stacked patch antenna, the patent consolidates heat generation sources into one compact structure. This reduces the overall thermal management burden compared to managing heat from multiple separate arrays. The integrated design allows for more efficient heat dissipation pathways and reduces the complexity of thermal control systems required for multi-array configurations.
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 provides improved thermal management, reduced weight, and enhanced isolation between frequency bands, allowing for efficient space communication with minimal impact on the antenna array and spacecraft.
Implementation Method 1
A first dielectric layer interposes the first radiating patch and the second radiating patch and a second dielectric layer interposes the second radiating patch and a ground plane
Implementation Method 2
a first feed pin for relaying radio frequency signals from the first connector to the second radiating patch via a first port in the second dielectric layer and a second feed pin for relaying radio frequency signals from the second connector to the first radiation patch
Data Source
AI summary
A dual band radiating element and modular antenna array suitable for application in space communications is provided. The dual band radiating element comprises a stacked patch antenna for transmitting RF signal of a first signal frequency band (e.g. S-Band) and receiving RF signals of a second signal frequency band (e.g. L-Band). The concentric design of the radiating element can achieve savings in material and mass compared to other stacked patch antennas. For effective operation in space applications, a first radiation patch in the radiating element is isolated from a second radiation patch by shielding a feed pin to the first radiation patch as it travels through the dielectric layer separating the patches. Individual radiating elements can be attached to individual filter/amplification units in a modular antenna array allowing for individual components to be easily installed, repaired or replaced with minimal impact to the rest of the antenna array and/or spacecraft.