Ka-Band Phased-Array Package With Low-Loss Compact Phase Shifters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large-scale phased-array antenna systems face high insertion loss and substantial dielectric and metallic losses, particularly at millimeter wave frequencies, making passive architectures impractical, and existing phase shifters have large footprints and high insertion loss.

Innovation Solution

A phased antenna array package with an integrated passive beamformer network using phase shifters with a slow-wave structure and ceramic, and an actuation mechanism comprising a magnet and electromagnet coil to adjust the gap between the transmission line and ceramic, reducing footprint and insertion loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional phase shifters are used in passive phased-array antenna systems, then beamforming capability is achieved, but insertion loss becomes extremely high (average 8 dB) and footprint area becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion lossVSAvoidphase shifter footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the transmission line by introducing a movable dielectric element that can be positioned at different distances from the transmission line. This adjusts the effective dielectric constant and characteristic impedance, enabling phase shifting without the high losses of conventional designs. The continuous adjustment of the dielectric distance provides both low insertion loss and compact footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a movable dielectric element as an intermediary between the transmission line and the ground plane. This dielectric element mediates the phase shift by altering the electromagnetic field distribution in the vicinity of the transmission line, achieving phase control with minimal insertion loss and reduced footprint compared to direct phase shifter implementations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If passive beamformer network is used at millimeter wave frequencies, then system architecture is simplified, but dielectric and metallic losses become substantial

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeamformer network complexityVSAvoiddielectric and metallic losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the dielectric parameters by using a movable dielectric element with high permittivity that can be dynamically repositioned. This allows the passive beamformer to achieve the required phase shifts at millimeter wave frequencies while minimizing dielectric losses through optimized positioning and material selection, resolving the contradiction between architectural simplicity and loss reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If phase shifter area is reduced for compact antenna elements, then array density increases, but phase tuning range and beam steering capability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase shifter areaVSAvoidphase tuning range

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic mechanism where a dielectric element can be continuously repositioned along the transmission line. This dynamic adjustment provides a full 330-degree phase tuning range within a compact footprint, enabling versatile beam steering capability while maintaining small antenna element area. The dynamic nature of the dielectric positioning ensures both compactness and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 low insertion loss, a small footprint, and efficient beam steering with a maximum phase tuning range of 330°, achieving a maximum grating lobe-free scan angle of 32° and maintaining high efficiency and directivity across a wide frequency bandwidth.

Implementation Method 1

each of the at least one actuation mechanism comprising a magnet and an electromagnet coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

each of the at least one phase shifter comprising a transmission line having a slow-wave structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSlow-wave effect:

Data Source

PatentUS12381318B2Ka-band 2D phased-array antenna in package

Publication Date: 2025.08.05 C COM SATELLITE SYST

AI summary

A phased antenna array in a package is provided. The phased array antenna in a package comprises an antenna array with an integrated passive beamformer network, and at least one actuation mechanism. The passive beamformer network comprises at least one phase shifter, and each of the at least one phase shifter comprises a transmission line having a slow-wave structure and a ceramic. Each of the at least one actuation mechanism comprises a magnet and an electromagnet coil, where the magnet is coupled to the ceramic. The at least one actuation mechanism configured to increase or decrease a gap between the transmission line and the ceramic.