Hybrid Phased Array Gimbal Antenna Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna technologies face challenges in efficiently steering directive beams for both fast, narrow movements and slow, large movements, with mechanically steered antennas requiring sturdy mechanics and high power, while phased arrays suffer from directivity degradation and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system combining a phased array antenna with a mechanical gimbal mechanism for rapid and slow beam steering, where the phased array controls fast, small-angle movements and the gimbals handle slow, large-angle motions, allowing for efficient and reliable beam steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a mechanically steered antenna is used for fast beam movements, then the beam can be steered rapidly, but large mechanical moments and high power are required
Solution Approach 1:
The beam steering function is segmented into two independent mechanisms: a mechanical gimbal system for slow, large-angle movements and a phased array electron beam steering system for fast, small-angle movements. This segmentation allows each subsystem to operate in its optimal performance range, avoiding the need for the mechanical system to handle high-speed maneuvers that would require excessive power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional fully mechanical steering system with a hybrid approach where electron beam steering (phased array) substitutes for mechanical steering in the fast-response regime. This substitution eliminates the need for high-power mechanical actuators while maintaining rapid beam steering capability.
2Ease of operation
If a phased array antenna is used for large aperture, then the beam can be steered electronically, but the number of radiating elements and electronics becomes very large and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a sparse array configuration where radiating elements are distributed non-uniformly across the aperture. This allows the system to achieve the necessary beam steering resolution and aperture size without requiring a complete, dense grid of elements, thereby reducing the total number of radiating elements and associated electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The large aperture phased array is segmented into multiple sub-arrays or groups of radiating elements that can be controlled independently or in coordinated fashion. This segmentation reduces the complexity of controlling a single large array by breaking it into manageable sections while maintaining the overall large aperture effect.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a phased array antenna is used for beam steering far from bore sight, then electronic steering is achieved, but directivity is severely degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic beam forming techniques where the phased array can adapt its radiation pattern and steering characteristics in real-time. This allows the system to maintain optimal directivity across a wide steering range by dynamically adjusting the phase and amplitude distributions, rather than relying on fixed beam patterns that degrade at large angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mechanical gimbal steering system with the phased array electron beam steering system in a coordinated manner. The mechanical system provides the coarse, large-angle positioning while the phased array provides fine electronic steering adjustments, allowing the combined system to achieve both wide angular coverage and maintained directivity that neither system could achieve alone.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for rapidly steering a directive beam in an antenna is provided herein. The system includes: an antenna configured to produce a directive beam; means for steering the beam rapidly, along small angles; and means for steering the beam slowly, along large angles. According to one embodiment, the antenna is implemented as a phased array antenna, wherein the means for steering the beam rapidly, along small angles, is implemented as a phased array control, and wherein the means for steering the beam slowly, along large angles, is a mechanical mechanism implemented using gimbals. According to another embodiment, the antenna includes a main reflector and a sub reflector, and wherein the means for steering the beam rapidly, along small angles, mechanically controls the sub reflector, and wherein the means for steering the beam slowly, along large angles, mechanically controls the main reflector.