Embedded Optical Waveguide Feed Structure for RF Antenna Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microwave beamforming networks in RF antenna arrays are large, costly, and complicated by microwave losses and unwanted modes, making them inefficient and difficult to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
The use of an optical waveguide, such as a fiber optic cable, embedded in the circuit board to replace the traditional microwave network, where optical frequency signals are used to generate radio frequency power for the antenna elements through detectors and variable attenuator/phase shifter sections, allowing for beam steering and reduced size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a microwave beamforming network is used as the feed structure, then RF signal distribution is achieved, but the size and weight of the antenna array become large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional microwave beamforming network (mechanical/electrical system) with an optical waveguide system. Optical fibers are embedded in the circuit board to distribute RF signals to antenna elements, eliminating the need for heavy microwave feed networks while maintaining signal distribution functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical waveguides as an intermediary medium between the RF signal source and antenna elements. The optical fibers serve as mediators to transmit signal distribution information, replacing direct microwave transmission and reducing the physical footprint and weight of the feed structure.
2Reliability
If a multilayer circuit board with embedded RF transmission lines is used, then beamforming is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex multilayer microwave circuit boards with optical waveguide technology. By embedding optical fibers in simplified circuit board structures, the system achieves beamforming functionality with reduced manufacturing complexity and lower production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating domain from microwave frequencies to optical frequencies for signal distribution. This parameter change enables the use of optical waveguides instead of complex microwave circuit boards, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining beamforming capabilities.
3Reliability
If through-vias and precise alignment are implemented in multilayer boards, then signal transmission is achieved, but the size and weight of the structure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical waveguides as intermediaries to transmit signals through the circuit board structure. This approach eliminates the need for complex through-vias and precise alignment requirements associated with traditional microwave feed networks, reducing the overall structural dimensions.
4Reliability
If microwave transmission lines are used in multilayer boards, then RF signal distribution is achieved, but microwave losses and unwanted modes complicate the design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces microwave transmission lines with optical waveguides for signal distribution. This substitution eliminates microwave losses and unwanted modes that complicate the design, as optical fibers provide superior signal transmission characteristics with minimal loss and no mode complexity.
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 approach reduces the size, weight, and cost of RF antenna arrays while improving functionality by using optical signals to generate RF power, enhancing beam steering capabilities and reducing manufacturing complexities.
Implementation Method 1
Each one of the detectors is responsive to electromagnetic waves to generate radio frequency input power for the corresponding one of the antenna elements coupled to said one of the detectors
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of detectors, each one of the detectors being coupled to a corresponding one of the radio frequency antenna elements... interconnected by an optical waveguide fed by an optical frequency signal
Data Source
AI summary
A feed structure for a radio frequency antenna, comprising: a plurality of radio frequency antenna elements; and a plurality of detectors, each one of the detectors being coupled to a corresponding one of the radio frequency antenna elements. Each one of the detectors is responsive to optical frequency energy to produce input radio frequency power for the corresponding one of the antenna elements coupled to said one of the detectors.