Ku-band Phased Array Antenna with Integrated Photonic Beamformer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased-array antenna systems face challenges in achieving a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective design with multi-gigahertz instantaneous bandwidth and large beam-scanning range, particularly in mobile satellite communications, where they require seamless beam steering and polarization agility.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a phased-array receive antenna with electrical-domain processing elements, photonic beamformers, and passive signal combiners, organized into tiles with a single stage of photonic beamforming to reduce the number of electrical-photonic interfaces, thereby preserving signal strength and reducing production costs and integration complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If photonic beamformers are incorporated into phased-array antenna systems, then the system size and weight are reduced, but the number of electrical-photonic interfaces increases, leading to greater signal loss and production complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple photonic beamforming functions into a single integrated photonic beamformer unit. This merging approach reduces the number of separate electrical-photonic interfaces while maintaining the weight and size benefits of photonic technology. The integrated design consolidates signal processing functions that would otherwise require multiple discrete components and interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stages of photonic beamforming are used, then signal processing capability is improved, but production costs and integration complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single stage of photonic beamforming that provides sufficient signal processing capability for the intended application. Rather than over-engineering with multiple stages, the design uses the minimum necessary processing depth to achieve the required performance, thereby reducing production costs and integration complexity while maintaining adequate adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more antenna elements are organized into tiles, then beam scanning range and resolution are improved, but the number of signals requiring combination increases, complicating the processing architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical signal combination architectures with photonic-based signal processing. By using photonic beamformers to handle signal combination, the system achieves the required beam scanning range and resolution without proportionally increasing electrical domain complexity. The photonic domain provides a more scalable approach to handling large numbers of antenna element signals.
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
This approach results in a more efficient and flexible phased-array antenna system with improved performance, reduced production costs, and increased design flexibility by minimizing signal loss and simplifying the production process.
Implementation Method 1
photonic beamformers
Implementation Method 2
Each patch antenna is sensitive to two orthogonal polarizations and generates two signals consistent therewith in response to receiving a transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A phased-array antenna that includes a photonic beamformer is disclosed. In some embodiments, a front stage of electrical-domain processing applies a 16-to-1 signal-combination ratio, a single stage of photonic beamforming applies a 4-to-1 signal-combination ratio, and a passive, electrical-domain, signal combiner applies a 32-to-1 signal-combination ratio.