Dual-Polarized Horn Radiator With Nested Waveguide Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual-polarized horn antennas face challenges in achieving compactness and good electrical performance due to their large dimensions, which limits their suitability for 3D beam steering and beamforming applications, especially when emitter spacings exceed 0.5λ, leading to secondary main lobes and side lobes that complicate beam manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A dual-polarized horn antenna design where the first and second polarizations are fed separately via orthogonal waveguides, with one waveguide having a cross-section that extends partially inside and outside the aperture opening, allowing for a compact configuration by optimizing waveguide routing and transformation sections to rotate polarization and reduce cross-sectional dimensions, enabling efficient use of space and improved electrical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If horn radiators are used for dual-polarized applications, then electrical performance is improved, but the size increases making compact design difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is routed such that its cross-section extends partially inside the aperture opening and partially outside, nesting the waveguide structure within the available space of the horn radiator assembly. This allows the waveguide to share space with the radiator structure, achieving compact integration while maintaining dual-polarization performance
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide opening is designed with an extension both parallel to the aperture plane and perpendicular to it, utilizing three-dimensional space rather than confining the waveguide to a single plane. This dimensional approach allows the waveguide to route signals efficiently while maintaining a compact overall footprint
2Volume of moving object
If radiator spacing is increased to greater than 0.5λ, then compact design is improved, but secondary main lobes and side lobes appear degrading beamforming performance
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide cross-section dimensions and orientation are optimized to achieve the desired radiation pattern characteristics. By carefully controlling the waveguide geometry and its relationship to the horn aperture, the design achieves compact spacing while suppressing secondary lobes through parameter optimization
3Volume of moving object
If waveguides are routed compactly with cross-section extending inside and outside aperture opening, then device compactness is improved, but waveguide routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide routing is divided into distinct segments: a first portion extending inside the aperture opening and a second portion extending outside. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of routing the waveguide entirely outside the aperture opening in a conventional manner, the design inverts the approach by having the waveguide cross-section extend inside the aperture opening. This unconventional routing achieves compactness by utilizing the internal space of the horn structure
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 achieves a compact, high-performance dual-polarized horn antenna that maintains excellent electrical properties, allowing for efficient beam steering and beamforming capabilities even at closer emitter spacings, reducing secondary lobes and enhancing overall antenna efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first waveguide (1, 1') extending in the direction of radiation towards an opening (23, 24) in the horn radiator
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of horn radiators (20, 20') is designed to transmit electromagnetic energy in the form of Bessel beams
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a dual-polarized horn radiator, in particular for a mobile radio base station, having a first and a second polarization which are fed separately from one another via a first hollow conductor and a second hollow conductor. According to a first aspect, it is provided that one of the hollow conductors and in particular the first hollow conductor extends in the emission direction with respect to its opening into the horn radiator and in that case has a cross-section which extends, in projection onto the aperture plane, partially inside and partially outside of the aperture opening of the horn radiator. According to a second aspect, it is provided that the two hollow conductors extend in the emission direction with respect to their openings into the horn radiator, wherein at least one of the hollow conductors and in particular the first hollow conductor has a transformation section, by which its polarization in the aperture plane is rotated with respect to the other hollow conductor before it opens into the horn radiator.