Interleaved Phased Array Antennas Single Aperture Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless devices with multiple phased array antennas require separate printed circuit boards and apertures for each antenna, leading to increased size and cost due to multiple apertures and PCBs, especially when operating in different frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves interleaving multiple phased array antennas within a single aperture, where a high-frequency array is positioned between the elements of a low-frequency array, sharing the same support structure and using identical unit cells for manufacturing efficiency, and rotating the high-frequency array elements to improve circular polarization performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate printed circuit boards and apertures are used for each phased array antenna, then each antenna can operate independently in different frequency bands, but the device size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple phased array antennas operating in different frequency bands into a single integrated aperture structure. The antenna elements for different frequency bands are interleaved within the same aperture plane, allowing multiple antennas to share common support structures and RF circuits while maintaining independent operation in their respective frequency bands, thereby reducing the number of separate PCBs and apertures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where antenna elements of different frequency bands are interleaved and positioned within the same aperture. The higher frequency antenna elements are positioned between the lower frequency elements, creating a nested-like structure where multiple antenna systems coexist in the same spatial footprint without interfering with each other's operation
2Device complexity
If multiple phased array antennas are integrated into a single aperture, then the number of PCBs and apertures is reduced, but the antenna elements must be closely spaced requiring precise manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different spacing configurations to different frequency band antennas within the same aperture. Each frequency band's antenna elements are spaced according to its specific wavelength requirements, with higher frequency elements spaced more closely and lower frequency elements spaced farther apart. This local optimization allows precise spacing control for each band while maintaining overall integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the aperture into distinct interleaved patterns for different frequency bands, with each band's elements forming separate but coordinated subsets. This segmentation allows independent optimization of spacing for each frequency band while maintaining the overall integrated structure, making the precise spacing requirements more manageable through modular design
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies directed to interleaved phased array antennas are described. One apparatus includes a support structure, a fist antenna array, and a second antenna array. The first antenna array includes a first set of antenna elements disposed on a surface of the support structure. The first set of antenna elements is spaced apart by a first distance. The second antenna array includes a second set of antenna elements disposed on the surface of the support structure. The second set of antenna elements is located in spaces between the first set of antenna elements on the surface and the second set of antenna elements is spaced apart by a second distance that is less than the first distance.