Fixed Feed Transmit-Array Antenna for High Gain Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems face a trade-off between achieving high gains and large beam-steering angles, with most solutions either providing high gains but limited beam-steering range or broad beam-steering angles but with reduced gains due to line losses in complex feed networks.
Innovation Solution
A transmit-array antenna system with a fixed feed antenna, comprising inner and outer radiating surfaces connected by a platform with phase shifters and amplifiers, allowing for continuous control of phase and amplitude, enabling high gains and broad beam-steering angles without the limitations of complex feed networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex feed network is used to achieve large beam-steering angles, then the beam-steering range is improved, but line losses increase and gain is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex feed network from the antenna system, replacing it with a transmit-array architecture where each antenna element is independently controlled. This eliminates the energy losses associated with complex feed networks while maintaining broad beam-steering capabilities through direct phase and amplitude control of individual elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple independently controllable antenna elements, each with its own phase shifter and amplifier. This segmentation allows direct control of each element without requiring a complex feed network, thereby reducing line losses while enabling flexible beam-steering across large angle ranges.
2Power
If antenna array size is increased to achieve high gains, then the gain is improved, but the system complexity and feed network losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The large antenna array is divided into multiple independently controllable elements, each with dedicated phase shifters and amplifiers. This segmentation enables high gain through coherent combining of many elements while avoiding the complexity and losses of traditional feed networks, as each element can be controlled independently and directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/feed-network-based signal distribution system with electronic phase shifters and amplifiers at each antenna element. This substitution eliminates the physical feed network complexity while maintaining the ability to control large antenna arrays for high gain performance.
3Quantity of substance
If millimetre-wave frequencies are used to enable additional spectrum, then frequency spectrum availability is improved, but line losses in feed networks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the feed network that causes excessive line losses at millimetre-wave frequencies by implementing a transmit-array architecture with independently controlled antenna elements. This extraction eliminates the primary source of energy loss while enabling utilization of millimetre-wave spectrum for enhanced capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the feed network distribution system with direct electronic control of each antenna element using phase shifters and amplifiers. This substitution is particularly beneficial at millimetre-wave frequencies where feed network losses are excessive, as it eliminates the intermediate distribution path and allows direct control of radiating elements.
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 solution enables high antenna gains and large beam-steering angles, reducing line losses and allowing for efficient operation across millimetre-wave frequencies, suitable for applications like 5G networks and military communications.
Implementation Method 1
Direction of transmission or reception may be controlled by modifying the phase and amplitude of a signal at each antenna
Implementation Method 2
beamforming generally refers to directing transmission or reception of radio signals using an antenna array
Implementation Method 3
the phase shifters may be arranged to shift phase and adjust amplitude of the received first signal to generate the second signal
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided an antenna array for a transmit-array antenna system with a fixed feed antenna, comprising an inner radiating surface for receiving a first signal from the fixed feed antenna, an outer radiating surface for emitting a second signal from the antenna array and a platform for electric connection of Radio Frequency, RF, components disposed between the inner and outer radiating surfaces, the platform having a phase shifter for operatively connecting the inner and outer radiating surfaces.