Embedded Spiral Calibration Antenna for Phased Array
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phased array antennas face performance degradation over time, and ground-based calibration is impractical for airborne or satellite-borne systems with many elements, necessitating an embedded calibration antenna within the phased array antenna to ensure in-orbit calibration.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid calibration antenna design combining elements of helical and patch antennas, fully embedded within the dielectric material of the phased array antenna, utilizing a spiral-like geometry to enhance electric length and minimize size, allowing for effective calibration while being compact enough to fit within the phased array antenna's constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional calibration antenna is used for phased array antenna calibration, then calibration functionality is provided, but the antenna size becomes too large to be embedded within the phased array antenna structure
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration antenna is nested within the dielectric material of the phased array antenna structure. The spiral conductive trace is embedded in the dielectric substrate, with the calibration antenna element positioned between the ground plane and the antenna elements, effectively hiding the calibration functionality within the existing antenna volume without requiring additional external space.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration antenna uses a spiral geometry that utilizes the vertical dimension (height) of the dielectric material rather than only the horizontal plane. By winding the conductive trace in a spiral pattern through the dielectric thickness, the antenna achieves sufficient electrical length for calibration operation while maintaining a compact footprint that fits within the phased array structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the calibration antenna is fully embedded within the dielectric material, then it fits within the phased array antenna constraints, but the available space for the calibration antenna becomes extremely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration antenna is divided into distinct functional segments: a ground pin connected to the ground plane, a spiral conductive trace embedded in the dielectric material, and a calibration antenna element positioned near the antenna elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned within the limited dielectric volume while maintaining overall calibration functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral conductive trace utilizes the vertical dimension by winding through the dielectric material thickness rather than only spreading in the horizontal plane. This three-dimensional spiral configuration maximizes the use of available dielectric volume, achieving sufficient electrical length for calibration operation within the constrained space between the ground plane and antenna elements.
3Reliability
If ground-based calibration is used for airborne or satellite-borne phased array antennas, then calibration procedures can be performed, but the system requires external calibration infrastructure and cannot perform in-orbit calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The phased array antenna performs self-calibration using the embedded calibration antenna and signal processing algorithms. The system measures coupling between antenna elements and the calibration antenna, then automatically computes and applies correction factors to compensate for element variations. This eliminates the need for external ground-based calibration infrastructure, enabling autonomous in-orbit calibration maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process uses feedback from measured coupling signals between antenna elements and the calibration antenna. The system continuously monitors signal responses, compares them against expected patterns, and adjusts calibration parameters accordingly to maintain optimal performance. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to environmental changes and aging effects during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies directed to embedding a calibration antenna in an antenna structure of a phased array antenna are described. The antenna structure includes a ground plane, a first antenna element, and a second antenna element. The first antenna element and the second antenna element are located in a first plane. The second antenna element is separated from the first antenna element by a first distance. Dielectric material is located between the ground plane and the first plane. The antenna structure further includes a third antenna element that is located in a second plane. The second plane is located between the ground plane and the first plane. The third antenna element is located in an area with a first dimension and a second dimension that are each less than half of the first distance.