Interleaved Electronically Scanned Arrays for Dual-Band Radar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronically scanned array antennas face challenges in achieving multiple beams and frequencies while maintaining a low size, weight, and power (SWaP) footprint, particularly in dual-band operations like X and Ku bands, where element spacing is not optimized for lower frequency bands and independent modulation of signals is impractical at higher frequencies.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates interleaved array antennas with alternating elements arranged in different grid spacings and orientations, allowing independent operation at X band and combined operation at Ku band, with separate feed networks and switch configurations to manage signal transmission and reception across multiple frequencies and polarization states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate antennas are used to achieve dual-band operation, then frequency versatility is improved, but size, weight, and power (SWaP) increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements into a single integrated array structure where elements are spaced to support both X-band and Ku-band operations simultaneously. The merged array uses shared support structures, feed networks, and housing, eliminating the need for separate antenna assemblies for each frequency band while maintaining dual-band capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array is designed with universal elements that can operate across multiple frequency bands. By using elements with spacing optimized for the highest frequency (Ku-band) that also work acceptably at lower frequencies (X-band), the system achieves multi-functionality where a single antenna structure serves multiple frequency requirements, reducing overall SWaP.
2Measurement precision
If element spacing is optimized for the highest frequency band, then high-frequency performance is improved, but low-frequency performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using element spacing of approximately 0.484 inches, which is optimized for Ku-band frequencies. This spacing parameter provides excellent beam resolution at high frequencies while still maintaining acceptable operational reliability at lower X-band frequencies, achieving a parameter optimization that balances both frequency requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent modulation is used to achieve multiple beams, then beam versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex independent modulation systems with a simpler electronic beamforming approach. By using phase shifters and amplitude controllers in the feed network, multiple beams can be formed through electronic signal processing rather than mechanical or complex modulation changes, reducing device complexity while maintaining beam versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
An array antenna including two interleaved array antennas, capable of being operated independently at a first frequency, or together, at a second frequency. Each of the two array antennas is composed of alternating elements of an antenna array, and the two arrays are interleaved. Each of the interleaved arrays may be operated independently, e.g., in the X band, or the arrays may be driven together, as a single array with more densely spaced elements, e.g., in the Ku band.