Integrated Filter Antenna Elements for Wider Phased Array Scan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phased array antennas require separate filters and antennas, leading to signal loss and reduced scan volume due to the need for impedance matching networks and physical spacing constraints, which complicates achieving adequate selectivity and filtering functionality.
Innovation Solution
Integrating filters directly into each antenna element as part of the radiating structure, allowing for compact design with reduced grid spacing and eliminating lossy connections, where resonators are coupled through metallic cavities and vias to form a compact antenna apparatus with intrinsic filtering behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If separate filters and antennas are used in conventional phased array antennas, then filtering functionality is provided, but signal loss increases and scan volume is reduced due to impedance matching networks and physical spacing constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the filter and antenna into a single integrated structure where the resonators serve dual purposes: they provide filtering functionality while also acting as the radiating elements. This eliminates the need for separate filters and impedance matching networks, thereby reducing signal loss and simplifying the overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If separate filters and antennas are used, then filtering functionality is achieved, but physical spacing constraints complicate achieving adequate selectivity and filtering
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the filter resonators with the antenna radiating elements, the patent eliminates physical spacing constraints between separate components. The integrated structure allows adequate selectivity and filtering to be achieved without the complexity of coordinating spacing between discrete filter and antenna elements.
3Volume of moving object
If grid spacing between antenna elements is reduced to increase scan volume, then scan volume increases, but signal loss increases due to lossy connections and impedance matching networks
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of filter and antenna eliminates lossy impedance matching networks and connections. By making the resonators themselves the radiating elements, the patent removes the intermediate connection structures that cause signal loss, allowing grid spacing to be reduced for increased scan volume without proportionally increasing losses.
4Reliability
If impedance matching networks are used to maintain impedance matching across scan volume, then impedance matching is maintained, but signal loss increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated resonator structure is self-matching by design. The resonators are configured to naturally provide the required impedance transformation and matching across the scan volume without requiring additional impedance matching networks. This self-service approach maintains impedance matching while eliminating the lossy and complex matching networks.
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 enhances scan volume and reduces signal loss by integrating filtering functionality into each antenna element, enabling more efficient radiation and reception while maintaining desired frequency response and impedance matching across the scan volume.
Implementation Method 1
The resonant frequency of such a structure is directly related to physical dimensions of the resonators and the overall structure. Typically, resonance is achieved when the physical dimensions of the resonator approach a half wavelength.
Data Source
AI summary
A phased array antenna includes multiple antenna elements where each antenna element is an antenna apparatus that includes an antenna integrated with a filter. Each antenna apparatus includes a plurality of resonators where at least some of the resonators are each enclosed in a metal cavity and at least one resonator is exposed to free space to form a radiator element. Each antenna apparatus has a filter transfer function that is at least partially determined by dimensions of the radiator element and the position of the radiator element within the antenna apparatus. The scan volume of the phased array antenna is dependent on at least one physical dimension of the filter of the antenna apparatus.