Hybrid Radiating Elements for Broadband Phased Array Antennas
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Millimeter-wave phased array antennas face challenges in achieving maximum gain and scan coverage larger than ±45° over a bandwidth of more than 15% due to bandwidth limitations and radiation pattern gain drops when directing beams at larger angles, particularly in the 60 GHz frequency range used for WiGig communications.
Innovation Solution
A broadband phased array antenna system with hybrid radiating elements, including a substrate with uniformly excited hybrid radiating elements, a hybrid feeding network, and artificial materials to suppress edge scattered fields, along with a hybrid radiating element design featuring a probe-fed patch antenna, a parasitic patch, and shorting pins to generate strongly coupled resonant modes, and a GCPW feeding network for improved impedance matching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If microstrip patches, dipoles, and slots are used as radiating elements, then the antenna system is easy to manufacture, but the bandwidth is limited to less than 10% for annular coverage of at least ±45°
Solution Approach 1:
The radiating element is segmented into multiple patches (first patch, second patch, third patch) arranged in a specific geometric configuration. This segmentation allows each patch to contribute to different resonant modes, thereby expanding the overall bandwidth while maintaining manufacturability through standard PCB fabrication techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining multiple dielectric layers with different properties (first dielectric layer, second dielectric layer) and multiple metallic patches. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of wide bandwidth and ease of manufacture by leveraging the complementary characteristics of different materials and geometries
2Adaptability or versatility
If the beam is directed toward larger angles, then the scan coverage is improved, but the radiation pattern gain drops due to surface and traveling leaky waves on the dielectric surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of surface waves and leaky waves into beneficial resonant modes by carefully designing the patch geometry and dielectric layer configuration. The multiple patches are positioned and dimensioned to create constructive interference patterns that enhance gain at large scan angles while suppressing unwanted surface wave propagation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters including patch dimensions, dielectric layer thicknesses, and spacing between patches to achieve maximum gain at extreme scan angles. By adjusting these parameters, the antenna maintains stable radiation patterns and high gain performance across the full ±45° scan range
3Adaptability or versatility
If a probe-fed patch antenna on a thick substrate is used, then the element bandwidth is increased, but the presence of surface and traveling waves worsens due to unbalanced feed geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric arrangement of multiple patches with different orientations and positions relative to the feed point. This asymmetric configuration creates a balanced current distribution that suppresses surface wave generation while maintaining wide bandwidth, overcoming the limitations of conventional symmetric probe-fed patch antennas on thick substrates
4Adaptability or versatility
If artificial materials or elements with magnetic dipole radiation mechanism are used to increase scan coverage to more than ±65°, then the scan coverage is improved, but the total gain of the array is reduced due to low gain element pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent excites multiple resonant modes simultaneously in the patch structure, creating a form of electromagnetic vibration that enhances radiation efficiency. The coupled resonant modes produce constructive interference in the desired scan directions, maintaining high gain while achieving extended scan coverage beyond ±65°
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 provides a stable high gain radiation pattern with minimal gain fluctuation over a broad operating bandwidth, achieving an azimuthal scan range of at least ±45° and maintaining high gain at extreme scanned angles, suitable for 5G and indoor wireless communications.
Implementation Method 1
in response to an RF excitation signal being applied to the conductive feed via first and second strongly coupled resonant modes are generated
Implementation Method 2
artificial materials surrounding opposite sides of the symmetric array for suppressing edge scattered fields
Data Source
AI summary
A broadband phased array antenna system is set forth comprising a support member; an antenna array mounted to the support member, the antenna array having a plurality of uniformly excited hybrid radiating elements arranged in a symmetric array on a substrate; a baseband controller mounted to the support member; a radio controller mounted to the support member for modulating and demodulating signals between the baseband controller and antenna array; and a communications interface for removably connecting and disconnecting the antenna system. In one aspect, the antenna array comprises a substrate; a plurality of uniformly excited hybrid radiating elements arranged in a symmetric array on the substrate; a hybrid feeding network for transmitting RF-signals to the hybrid radiating elements; and artificial materials surrounding opposite sides of the symmetric array for suppressing edge scattered fields and increasing gain of the antenna system.