Compact Dual-Band Phased Array Antenna Interleaved Radiators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-band phased array antennas face challenges in integrating low-band sensors into high-band arrays without interference, achieving wide scan angles over broad bandwidths, and maintaining high-band performance, while also being cost-effective and producible using proven manufacturing techniques.
Innovation Solution
A compact dual-band antenna design that incorporates low-band radiators with a coaxial, dielectric, and waveguide structure, interleaved between high-band radiators, sharing the same aperture, with step transitions for impedance matching and reduced height to minimize interference and scan loss, allowing for wide-angle scanning and broad bandwidth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional phased array elements are spaced at greater than λ/2 wavelengths to reduce element count, then device complexity is reduced, but grating lobes occur that reduce antenna gain and cause ambiguous radar responses
Solution Approach 1:
The array is segmented into two independent subarrays: a high-band array with elements spaced at λH/2 and a low-band array with elements spaced at λL/2. Each subarray operates independently with its own phase shifters and signal processing chain, allowing optimal element spacing for each band without grating lobes while sharing the same physical aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-band array to a dual-band array by adding frequency dimension. Low-band elements are interleaved between high-band elements in the spatial domain, and each band is independently controlled in the phase domain, enabling wide-angle scanning without grating lobes in either band.
2Area of stationary object
If low-band radiating elements are integrated into high-band array aperture to share space, then aperture area is reduced, but interference and cross-coupling between the two bands occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is segmented into two independent radiating systems: high-band radiating elements and low-band radiating elements. Each element type is independently fed and controlled, with high-band elements connected to high-band phase shifters and low-band elements connected to low-band phase shifters, eliminating cross-coupling interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges high-band and low-band radiating elements into a single shared aperture physically, while maintaining electrical independence through separate feed networks and phase control systems. The interleaved geometry allows both bands to radiate simultaneously without mutual interference.
3Loss of energy
If element spacing is limited to λ/2 to avoid grating lobes, then scan loss is minimized, but the array cannot achieve wide scan angles required for ±60° from boresight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements independent phase control for each band, allowing dynamic adjustment of beam steering angles. High-band beams can be steered to ±60° while low-band beams are simultaneously steered to their optimal angles, with each band's phase shifters adjusted independently to maintain minimum scan loss across the full angular range.
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 design enables efficient integration of low-band and high-band elements, reducing scan loss and interference, while maintaining high-band performance, and is producible using established manufacturing methods, thus enhancing flexibility and reducing aperture area for multi-function missions.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of step transitions is disposed after the first portion of the dielectric section, the plurality of step transitions cooperating to provide impedance matching and to reduce the height of the respective low-band radiating element
Implementation Method 2
The dielectric section is operably coupled to the coaxial section via the coaxial conductor, the dielectric section being formed of a continuous piece of dielectric material and cooperating with the coaxial section and a waveguide to provide a coaxial to waveguide transition
Implementation Method 3
The waveguide is operably coupled to the dielectric section, the waveguide having first and second ends, the first end being operably coupled to the dielectric section and the second end being operably coupled to the planar section
Implementation Method 4
As is well-known, a single phased-array antenna can simultaneously radiate and receive multiple radar beams, because of its control of the phase of multiple radiating elements
Implementation Method 5
a first array comprises a plurality of high-band radiators, each high-band radiator constructed and arranged to radiate at λH
Data Source
AI summary
An array antenna is provided that operates at high-band and low-band, comprising a first array of high-band radiators and a second array of low-band radiators, each respective low-band radiator disposed so as to be interleaved between the high-band radiators so as to share an aperture with the high-band radiators. Each low-band radiator comprises a coaxial section, a dielectric section, a waveguide, and a planar section. The dielectric section is formed of a continuous piece of dielectric material and includes a hollow opening formed perpendicular to the coaxial section, and a plurality of step transitions, wherein at least one of the step transitions is disposed within and partially fills the waveguide operably coupled to the planar section. The planar section is oriented to the portion of high-band radiators such that the output of the respective low-band radiator is disposed between and within the spacing between adjacent high-band-radiators.