Hemispherical Array Antenna With Central Wireless TR Module Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional wired connection in hemispherical array antennas is complex and difficult to automate, leading to reduced productivity and reproducibility, as well as requiring complex calibration for each network antenna.
Innovation Solution
A hemispherical array antenna design featuring a common radiocommunication module with a central antenna connected to low-level electronics, allowing wireless communication between transmission-reception modules and the central antenna, eliminating the need for wired connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired connections (coaxial cables or optical fibers) are used to connect TR modules to control electronics, then signal transmission and control functions are achieved, but the internal volume is reduced and wiring becomes extremely delicate and manual
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system (coaxial cables or optical fibers) with an electromagnetic field-based wireless communication system. Each TR module is equipped with a communication module that wirelessly transmits signals to and receives signals from a common antenna positioned at the center of the hemispherical array, eliminating the need for physical wiring throughout the hemispherical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a common antenna as an intermediary device positioned at the center of the hemispherical array. This common antenna serves as a central communication hub that wirelessly connects all distributed TR modules to the control electronics, replacing the need for direct wired connections from each TR module to the control system.
2Reliability
If manual wiring operations are performed to connect TR modules, then connections are established, but productivity is limited and reproducibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical wiring operations with automated wireless communication module integration. The communication modules can be pre-assembled and programmed offline, then simply installed in the TR modules without requiring delicate manual wiring operations during final assembly, thereby dramatically improving manufacturing productivity and reproducibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary configuration and testing of communication modules during the TR module manufacturing process itself, rather than requiring post-assembly calibration. The wireless communication parameters can be programmed and tested before the modules are installed in the hemispherical array, ensuring consistent performance across all modules.
3Ease of operation
If wired connections are used for each TR module, then individual control is achieved, but complex calibration operations are required for each network antenna
Solution Approach 1:
The common antenna positioned at the center serves as an intermediary that simplifies calibration. Since all TR modules communicate wirelessly through this central common antenna, calibration can be performed by adjusting parameters at the common antenna and control electronics level, rather than requiring individual calibration of each wired connection path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables centralized parameter adjustment for all TR modules through the wireless communication system. Calibration parameters such as phase and amplitude can be modified by changing settings in the common antenna or control electronics, which then automatically adjust the operation of all TR modules without requiring physical reconfiguration of individual connections.
4Ease of operation
If TR modules are mounted on the inner face of the support surface, then control electronics can be positioned close to radiating elements, but the internal volume is reduced making wiring delicate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wired connection system that requires internal volume for cable routing with a wireless electromagnetic communication system. This eliminates the need for complex cable management within the limited internal space, allowing TR modules to be mounted on the inner face without compromising on wiring feasibility.
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 wireless communication system simplifies the connection and calibration processes, enhances productivity and reproducibility, and allows for a lightweight, phase-disparity-free antenna design compatible with applications like aerial drones.
Implementation Method 1
each transmission-reception module comprising a communication module, equipped with an elementary antenna for bidirectional radiofrequency communication with the common radiocommunication module
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an array antenna (1) comprising: a hemispherical radome (10); a plurality of radiating elements (20) carried by the radome; a plurality of transmitting/receiving modules (30), carried by the radome, each radiating element being associated with a transmitting/receiving module and electrically connected thereto. It is characterized by a common radiocommunication module, provided with a common antenna (44), placed at the center of the radome and connected to transmitting/receiving electronics of the common radiocommunication module, each transmitting/receiving module (30) comprising a communication module, equipped with an elementary antenna for bidirectional radiofrequency communication with the common radiocommunication module (40).