Harmonic Antenna Architecture Without Power Dividers

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional antenna architectures require N−1 dividers, which have a large footprint and high DC power consumption, and non-linear elements further increase power consumption due to the need for amplification stages.

Innovation Solution

An antenna device that generates harmonic components using transformers and frequency splitters, eliminating the need for dividers and reducing power consumption by using lower amplification stages, allowing for efficient radiation of multiple transmission signals at harmonic frequencies without lenses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional dividers are used to generate N radiating channels, then multiple transmission signals can be generated, but DC power consumption increases and device footprint increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of radiating channelsVSAvoidDC power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The leakage signal from each transformer stage is reused to drive the next stage, eliminating the need for separate power dividers. Each stage self-generates the necessary signals for subsequent stages, converting what would be wasted leakage into useful driving signals for multiple radiating channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms the fundamental frequency signal into harmonic frequencies (2nd, 3rd, 4th harmonics) using nonlinear transformers. This frequency transformation allows multiple channels to be generated at different harmonic frequencies without requiring traditional power dividers, significantly reducing DC power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If traditional dividers are used to generate N radiating channels, then multiple transmission signals can be generated, but device footprint increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of radiating channelsVSAvoiddevice footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into single components: transformers simultaneously perform frequency multiplication and signal distribution, while also generating leakage signals that drive subsequent stages. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate power divider networks, reducing the overall device footprint while maintaining multiple radiating channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transformers serve multiple purposes: generating harmonic frequencies for different channels, providing leakage signals to drive subsequent stages, and enabling signal distribution without traditional dividers. This multi-functionality reduces the number of discrete components needed, thereby reducing device footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If non-linear circuits like mixers/triplers/doublers are used for up-conversion, then frequency can be increased to improve angular resolution and lower antenna area, but DC power consumption increases due to required amplification stages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular resolutionVSAvoidDC power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The leakage signal from each transformer stage is reused to drive the next stage, eliminating the need for separate power dividers. Each stage self-generates the necessary signals for subsequent stages, converting what would be wasted leakage into useful driving signals for multiple radiating channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms the fundamental frequency signal into harmonic frequencies (2nd, 3rd, 4th harmonics) using nonlinear transformers. This frequency transformation allows multiple channels to be generated at different harmonic frequencies without requiring traditional power dividers, significantly reducing DC power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 DC power consumption, increases total radiated power, and allows for smaller form factors, enabling efficient operation and integration on-chip with improved spatial resolution and beam steering capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a first transformer configured to receive a first input signal at a fundamental frequency and to generate a first transformer output comprising a harmonic component of the fundamental frequency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic transformation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250219286A1An antenna device

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 RAMOT AT TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY LTD

AI summary

An Disclosed herein is an antenna device that includes a first transformer to output a harmonic component of a fundamental frequency and a leakage component at the fundamental frequency, a first frequency splitter outputting the harmonic component as a first transmission signal and outputting a first leakage signal, a first antenna element configured to radiate the first transmission signal; a second transformer to receive the first leakage signal and output a harmonic component of the fundamental frequency, a second frequency splitter outputting the harmonic component as a second transmission signal, and a second antenna element configured to radiate the second transmission signal. A plurality of transmission signals at harmonic frequencies may be radiated without the use of dividers, thus reducing a DC power consumption of antenna devices. This may increase a total radiated poser for an array area without requiring lenses.