Dielectric Lens Antenna Beam Steering With Virtual Feed Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antennas lack the ability to control directivity effectively, limiting their ability to point in multiple directions for both reception and transmission.
Innovation Solution
The use of a dielectric lens combined with a feeding array and circuitry that simultaneously operates feeding elements from different groups, creating virtual feeding elements with specific orientations to achieve controlled directivity, allowing the antenna to beam in various directions by equalizing phase fronts and using a rooted tree architecture for switching networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional antenna structure is used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to control directivity and point in multiple directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is segmented into multiple feeding elements arranged in arrays, with each element capable of independent operation. The feeding elements are divided into at least two groups that can be selectively activated to create different beam directions, enabling controlled directivity through modular segmentation of the radiating structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna employs dynamic switching between different feeding elements and groups through control circuitry, allowing the beam direction to be changed in real-time. The system transitions from a static single-direction antenna to a dynamic multi-directional system by selectively activating different feeding element combinations based on desired beam orientation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple feeding elements are used to achieve multi-directional beams, then the directivity control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple feeding elements are merged into coherent arrays with specific geometric arrangements. The patent combines feeding elements from different groups to create virtual feeding elements, where the combined radiation patterns of multiple physical elements produce a single directed beam, effectively merging their contributions to achieve multi-directional capability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system creates virtual feeding elements through the selective simultaneous operation of physical feeding elements from different groups. These virtual elements are not physical copies but electromagnetic equivalents that replicate the radiation characteristics of actual feeding elements at different positions, enabling multi-directional beams without requiring physical duplication of the entire antenna structure.
3Ease of operation
If feeding elements are selectively operated to create virtual feeding elements, then the beam direction control is enhanced, but the circuitry complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Switching networks and control circuitry serve as intermediaries between the signal source and the feeding elements. These intermediary components enable selective activation of feeding element groups without requiring direct complex connections between all possible element combinations. The switching network mediates the signal distribution, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining full control capability.
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 configuration enables the antenna to produce highly directive, narrow beam radiation patterns in multiple directions, enhancing its operational flexibility and efficiency, particularly at frequencies above 24 GHz.
Implementation Method 1
the dielectric lens is shaped to equalize a phase front of an incident field radiated by any one of the plurality of virtual feeding elements
Implementation Method 2
a dielectric lens; a feeding array comprising feeding elements at different positions
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a dielectric lens and a feeding array having feeding elements at different positions. The apparatus also including circuitry configured to simultaneously operate one feeding element of a first group of feeding elements and one feeding element of a second group of feeding elements.