Dual Phased Array Single Polarity Beam Steering Integrated Circuits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Phased array antennas are costly due to high prices per element, reaching over $1,000,000 for a 1000 element array, primarily because of the expense and complexity of dual polarity integrated circuits which cause thermal distribution issues and cross-polarization interference.

Innovation Solution

The use of single polarity integrated circuits connected to elements at precise orthogonal locations on a laminar substrate, allowing for dual polarity operation without the need for dual polarity integrated circuits, thereby reducing costs and improving thermal management and cross-polarization isolation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dual polarity integrated circuits are used to achieve dual polarity operation, then the phased array can operate with both polarities, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual polarity operation capabilityVSAvoidintegrated circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The phased array is divided into two separate arrays: a first polarized phased array and a second polarized phased array. Each array uses dedicated single polarity integrated circuits, avoiding the need for complex dual polarity circuits. The segmentation allows each subset to be optimized independently while collectively providing dual polarity functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second polarized phased arrays are combined into a single system that shares common elements, RF lines, and substrate. This merging reduces overall complexity compared to having completely separate systems while maintaining the benefits of dedicated single polarity circuits for each polarization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dual polarity integrated circuits are used to enable both polarities, then full functionality is achieved, but thermal distribution issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual polarity operationVSAvoidthermal distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the system into separate first and second polarized arrays with dedicated single polarity integrated circuits, thermal loads are distributed across more components rather than concentrated in fewer dual polarity circuits. This segmentation improves thermal management and heat dissipation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If dual polarity integrated circuits are used, then dual polarity operation is achieved, but cross-polarization interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual polarity operationVSAvoidcross-polarization interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The segmentation into separate first and second polarized arrays with dedicated single polarity integrated circuits eliminates cross-polarization interference that occurs in dual polarity circuits. Each subset operates independently with its own signal path, preventing harmful interactions between polarizations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If single polarity integrated circuits are used for each polarity separately, then cost is reduced, but the number of integrated circuits increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidnumber of integrated circuits

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second polarized phased arrays share common elements, RF lines, and substrate infrastructure. This merging reduces the total number of integrated circuits needed compared to having completely separate systems, while still using affordable single polarity circuits for each polarization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared elements and RF lines serve multiple functions: they support both first and second polarized arrays simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and system complexity while maintaining the benefits of dedicated single polarity circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10355370B2Dual phased array with single polarity beam steering integrated circuits

Publication Date: 2019.07.16 QORVO TEXAS LLC

AI summary

A phased array has a laminar substrate, a plurality of elements on the laminar substrate forming a patch phased array, and first and second sets of integrated circuits on the laminar substrate. The first set of integrated circuits, each of which are single polarity integrated circuits, connects with a first set of the plurality of elements, and are configured to operate using first signals having a first polarity. In a similar manner, each one of the second set of integrated circuits also is a single polarity integrated circuit and connects with a second set of the plurality of elements. Also, each of the second set of integrated circuits is configured to operate using second signals having a second polarity. The first polarity is substantially orthogonal to the second polarity (i.e., to not interfere with each other).