Dual-Frequency Phased Array Beam Angle Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional phased-array transducers can only operate at a single frequency, limiting their ability to maintain consistent beam angles and efficiency across different frequencies, which affects the range and resolution of underwater acoustic measurements.
Innovation Solution
A dual-frequency phased-array transducer system that adjusts element spacing and phase differences to maintain similar beam angles for two frequencies approximately one octave apart, using a multiplexing circuit to switch between high and low frequencies during transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional phased-array transducer operates at a single frequency, then the beam angle is fixed, but the system cannot maintain consistent beam angles across different frequencies, limiting range and resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability by allowing the phased-array transducer to adjust its element spacing and phase differences based on the operating frequency. The system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic one where parameters are adjusted in real-time to maintain optimal beam angles at both high and low frequencies, enabling the system to adapt to different operational requirements while preserving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical spacing between transducer elements and the phase differences between them depending on the operating frequency. At high frequencies, elements are spaced closer together with corresponding phase adjustments, while at low frequencies, elements are spaced farther apart with different phase settings. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain consistent beam angles across a broad frequency range, resolving the contradiction between frequency versatility and beam angle consistency.
2Length of stationary object
If the transducer uses wider element spacing for low frequency operation, then the range is extended, but the beam angle changes and resolution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts element spacing based on the operating frequency. When operating at low frequencies for extended range measurements, the transducer elements are spaced wider apart. When operating at high frequencies for higher resolution measurements, the elements are spaced closer together. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to optimize for either range or resolution depending on the measurement requirements, while maintaining stable beam angles through coordinated phase adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If the transducer uses closer element spacing for high frequency operation, then the resolution is improved, but the range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting the inter-element spacing and phase differences according to the operating frequency. At high frequencies, the system uses closer element spacing with appropriate phase shifts to achieve narrow beam widths and high angular resolution. At low frequencies, wider spacing is used to extend the measurement range. This parameter adaptation enables the system to optimize resolution when needed while maintaining the capability for extended range measurements, resolving the trade-off between these two performance parameters.
4Productivity
If a single frequency is used, then the device complexity is low, but the system cannot optimize for both range and resolution simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a single phased-array transducer system that can operate effectively at both high and low frequencies. The system incorporates frequency switching capability with corresponding adjustments to element spacing and phase differences, allowing it to perform both high-resolution measurements and extended range measurements with a single device. This universal design eliminates the need for separate transducers for different measurement types, optimizing productivity while managing device complexity through integrated control.
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
Enables extended range and higher resolution by maintaining consistent beam angles across frequencies, improving the tradeoff between range, resolution, and velocity variance in underwater acoustic measurements.
Implementation Method 1
measure the Doppler shift of the acoustic signal that is scattered back towards the instrument
Implementation Method 2
The backscattered sound is often received with the same transducer that generated the sound
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic dual-frequency phased array system with common beam angles is disclosed. In one aspect, the system includes a planar array of transducer elements and a multiplexing circuit for selecting between a first state and a second state during either transmit operation, receive operation or both transmit and receive operation. The multiplexer is configured to connect transducer elements to a plurality of connections different between the first state and second state. The system is configured to transmit and receive beams at a first frequency when the multiplexer is in the first state and transmit and receive beams at a second frequency when the multiplexer is in the second state. The angle of the beams from vertical in the first and second state are substantially similar.