Isophasic Waveguide Array Layout for RF Side Lobe Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Designing radiofrequency modules with arrays of non-identical waveguides of varying lengths poses challenges in controlling phase shifts, leading to unwanted side lobes and increased size and weight, which are detrimental to applications like aerospace and aeronautics where space and weight are critical.
Innovation Solution
A radiofrequency module with a layer of radiating elements and a layer of waveguides, where the waveguides have the same cross-section but different lengths, incorporating phase-adjustment elements to correct or eliminate phase shifts, allowing for a compact arrangement and independent selection of pitch between radiating elements and ports, thereby reducing side lobes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If waveguides of different lengths are used to reduce the pitch between radiating elements, then the size and weight of the radiofrequency module are reduced, but phase shifts occur leading to unwanted side lobes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by modifying the cross-sectional dimensions of specific waveguides to compensate for their different lengths. Each waveguide's cross-section is locally adapted to achieve equal electrical path lengths, thereby maintaining phase coherence across all radiating elements while allowing compact physical arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the waveguides by varying their cross-sectional dimensions (width and height) to compensate for length differences. This parameter adjustment ensures that the electrical characteristics (phase and amplitude) remain consistent across waveguides of different physical lengths, eliminating side lobes while enabling compact module design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If waveguides of different lengths are used to allow independent selection of pitch between radiating elements and ports, then the arrangement flexibility is improved, but phase shifts occur leading to increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by customizing the cross-sectional dimensions of each waveguide according to its specific length and position in the array. This localized adaptation allows independent optimization of each waveguide's electrical characteristics, providing arrangement flexibility while maintaining phase coherence through precise local dimensional control.
3Reliability
If the cross section of waveguides is modified to compensate for different lengths, then phase shifts are corrected, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically varies the cross-sectional parameters (width and height) of waveguides based on their lengths. This controlled parameter change approach allows phase coherence to be achieved through design optimization rather than extreme manufacturing precision, as the dimensional variations are calculated and integrated into the manufacturing specifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A radiofrequency module includes a first layer having an array of radiant elements, each radiant element having a cross section supporting at least one wave propagation mode, a second layer forming an array of waveguides, each waveguide being connected to one radiant element of the first layer; one or more of the waveguides of the array of waveguides having at least one phase-adjustment element for eliminating or correcting the phase shift of the waveguides with respect to each other at a nominal waveguide frequency.