Dual-Side Radiating Antenna Unit Cell for Wideband Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a lightweight phased array antenna with a wide frequency bandwidth and a wide angular scan range that is conformally mountable to a platform surface, suitable for applications such as satellite reception, remote sensing, and military communication, particularly in ultra-wide bandwidth (UWB) systems.
Innovation Solution
The design involves an antenna unit cell with a dielectric substrate and radiating elements on both sides, coupled with a feed pin and shorting pins to a ground plane, forming a dual-polarization structure that can be scaled for various frequency bands and arranged in arrays for wide-band communication and sensor systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional printed circuit antennas are used, then the antenna structure is low-cost and easy to mass produce, but the frequency bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element is divided into multiple radiating elements arranged in specific patterns (e.g., rectangular, circular, or triangular arrays) on the dielectric substrate. Each radiating element can be independently designed and manufactured, allowing the overall bandwidth to be expanded through the combined operation of multiple segments while maintaining ease of mass production through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna employs a composite structure combining a dielectric substrate with multiple radiating elements made of conductive materials. This composite configuration enables the antenna to achieve ultra-wide bandwidth by utilizing the complementary radiation patterns and impedance characteristics of different radiating element geometries while remaining compatible with standard printed circuit board manufacturing processes
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional antennas are designed for wide bandwidth, then the frequency bandwidth increases, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna utilizes a thin dielectric substrate that supports multiple radiating elements in a compact, lightweight configuration. This thin-film approach achieves ultra-wide bandwidth through the distributed capacitance and inductance of the radiating element patterns without requiring heavy metallic structures or bulky components, thereby maintaining low weight while expanding frequency bandwidth
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna transitions from traditional planar single-layer designs to a three-dimensional configuration with radiating elements on both sides of the dielectric substrate. This dimensional expansion allows for increased electrical complexity and bandwidth without proportionally increasing weight, as the additional radiating capability is achieved by utilizing the vertical dimension rather than adding horizontal mass
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional antennas are designed for wide angular scan range, then the scan range increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element is designed with multi-functional radiating patterns that can operate effectively across a wide angular scan range. The specific arrangement of radiating elements (such as rectangular or circular patterns) provides omnidirectional or near-omnidirectional radiation characteristics, enabling the antenna to maintain performance over wide angles without requiring complex beam-steering mechanisms or multiple specialized antenna elements
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna incorporates adjustable or reconfigurable elements that can dynamically adapt their radiation patterns to maintain optimal performance across wide angular scans. This may include variable impedance matching networks or reconfigurable element geometries that adjust electrical characteristics in response to scan angle changes, achieving wide angular coverage without permanently complex structures
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
This configuration achieves ultra-wide bandwidth, supports wide scan angles, and provides effective gain, making it suitable for conformal arrays, communication phased arrays, signal intelligence sensors, and electronic warfare systems, with applicability across a 10:1 frequency band ratio.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of radiating elements disposed on a first side of the dielectric substrate, a second plurality of radiating elements disposed on a second side of the dielectric substrate
Implementation Method 2
a dielectric substrate having a length extending along a first axis and a width extending along a second axis
Data Source
AI summary
Antenna unit cells suitable for use in antenna arrays are disclosed, as are antenna arrays and mounting platform such as an aircraft comprising antenna unit cells. In one embodiment, an antenna unit cell comprises a dielectric substrate having a length extending along a first axis and a width extending along a second axis, a first plurality of radiating elements disposed on a first side of the dielectric substrate, a second plurality of radiating elements disposed on a second side of the dielectric substrate, opposite the first side, a feed pin coupled to at least one of the first plurality of radiating elements, and a shorting pin coupled to each of the first plurality of radiating elements and to a ground plane. Other embodiments may be described.