HPEM Antenna Array Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-power electromagnetic (HPEM) sources face limitations in achieving 360° coverage due to the limited power of individual antennas, requiring complex and costly mechanical turntables, which are also vulnerable to HPEM pulses, especially in mobile applications with restricted space and weight constraints.
Innovation Solution
A high-power electromagnetic source comprising at least three antennas fixed in position, grouped differently to emit pulse components that can be superimposed to achieve directional radiation, allowing for selective control of the radiation direction within a specific angle range less than 360°, eliminating the need for a mechanical turntable by using a control unit to activate and phase the antennas for beam formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical turntable is used to achieve 360° coverage with HPEM antennas, then the radiation coverage is improved, but the device weight and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple independent antenna elements arranged in a fixed geometric configuration. Each antenna element can be independently controlled to radiate electromagnetic energy, and through phased array processing, the combined radiation pattern achieves 360° coverage without requiring mechanical movement of the entire antenna assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical turntable system with an electronically controlled phased array antenna system. Instead of mechanically rotating the antenna to change radiation direction, the system uses electronic phase control of multiple fixed antenna elements to steer the beam and achieve omnidirectional coverage, eliminating moving parts and reducing weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical turntable is used for target tracking, then the tracking capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering through electronic phase control of the antenna elements. The phase and amplitude of each antenna element can be dynamically adjusted in real-time to track moving targets, providing agile and fast target tracking capability without mechanical movement. This electronic steering is much faster and more flexible than mechanical rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical turntable tracking system is replaced with an electronically controlled phased array system that achieves target tracking through dynamic phase and amplitude modulation of the antenna elements. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components, reduces system cost, and provides faster tracking response.
3Power
If horn antennas or antenna arrays with strong directional pattern are used, then the radiation power in main direction is improved, but the 360° coverage capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements with different radiation patterns into a phased array system. By merging the radiation patterns of individual elements and applying phased array processing, the system achieves both high power in the main radiation direction and 360° coverage capability through electronic beam steering and pattern synthesis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the radiation pattern parameters dynamically by adjusting the phase and amplitude of each antenna element. This allows the system to maintain a strong main radiation lobe for high power transmission while simultaneously creating additional lobes or adjusting the overall pattern to achieve 360° coverage, adapting the radiation characteristics to different operational requirements.
4Speed
If a mechanical turntable is used with high rotation rates, then the agile target tracking is improved, but the torque requirements and mechanical stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering through electronic phase control, allowing the radiation pattern to change direction instantaneously without mechanical movement. This provides unlimited rotation rate capability and agile target tracking since the electronic phase adjustment can occur much faster than mechanical rotation, eliminating the torque limitations of mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical turntable rotation system is replaced with electronic phase control of the antenna elements. This substitution eliminates the need for high-torque mechanical rotation mechanisms, as the beam direction is changed electronically by adjusting the phase of each element, achieving fast and agile tracking without mechanical stress or torque requirements.
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 solution enables weight-saving, space-saving integration of HPEM technology for all-round protection without a turntable, allowing for effective beam tracking and amplification, enhancing range and integration capabilities on mobile platforms.
Implementation Method 1
at least three antennas fitted at fixed positions relative to one another and each configured to emit a respective pulse component
Implementation Method 2
the pulse components of said antennas are superimposed on one another in an HPEM pulse
Data Source
AI summary
A high-power electromagnetic source for HPEM pulses in a desired radiation direction includes at least three antennas fixed in relation to one another for pulse components, wherein at least two groups of antennas with a respective main direction are present, and a control unit for the activation and phase position of the pulse components for the superimposition for the HPEM pulse, wherein the current radiation direction of said pulse is selectable in an angle range around the main direction. A vehicle with an HPEM source has the antennas mounted in a fixed position or a support for the antennas is pivotably mounted on the vehicle. In a method for emitting the HPEM pulse, all antennas are controlled in order to select the radiation direction in the angle range of less than 360°.