Linear Slot Array Antenna Frequency Scanning Phase Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing array antennas for wireless communications and radar are costly due to the need for expensive phase shifters and additional phase control circuits, and require a large number of sub-arrays to form broad electrical beams, increasing the overall price of the antenna system.
Innovation Solution
A frequency-scanning array antenna system using a T-junction, radiating elements, and coupled transmission lines, where the transmission lines are implemented using low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) or monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) technology, and include a phase slope control circuit with stub lines to distribute and control the feeding signals, allowing for broad frequency scanning without the need for multiple phase shifters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If phase shifters and additional phase control circuits are used to form electrical beams, then electrical beam forming capability is improved, but the price of the antenna system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the expensive phase shifters and phase control circuits from the antenna system by using a frequency-scanning approach where different frequencies naturally produce beams in different directions, achieving electrical beam forming capability without these components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic phase shifter system with an electromagnetic frequency-based system where frequency variation substitutes for phase control, eliminating the need for complex phase control hardware
2Adaptability or versatility
If small sub-arrays are used to form broad electrical beams, then electrical beam scanning range is improved, but the total number of sub-arrays and phase shifters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter to achieve broad electrical beam scanning range, where frequency variation directly controls beam direction, eliminating the need for multiple sub-arrays and phase shifters
3Adaptability or versatility
If a broad frequency band range is applied to achieve frequency-scanning broad electrical beam forming, then electrical beam scanning capability is improved, but the antenna system requires more complex frequency management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the coupled transmission line serve multiple functions: it acts as both a transmission line for signal distribution and as a frequency-selective element that naturally directs beams to different angles based on frequency, eliminating the need for separate frequency management circuits
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 reduces the cost and complexity of the antenna system by enabling broad frequency scanning through the use of a series feeding circuit network, improving directivity and reducing the number of phase shifters required, while maintaining effective electrical beam scanning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a coupled transmission line configured to transmit, to a subsequent element, a third feeding signal remaining after subtracting the second feeding signal from the first feeding signal, wherein the coupled transmission line may be coupled such that a length thereof is an integer multiple of a wavelength at a center frequency
Implementation Method 2
a T-junction configured to distribute a first feeding signal, a first radiating element configured to radiate a radio wave based on a second feeding signal
Implementation Method 3
a first radiating element configured to radiate a radio wave based on a second feeding signal
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an antenna device for performing frequency scanning, the antenna device including a T-junction configured to distribute a first feeding signal, a first radiating element configured to radiate a radio wave based on a second feeding signal, and a coupled transmission line configured to transmit, to a subsequent element, a third feeding signal remaining after subtracting the second feeding signal from the first feeding signal, wherein the coupled transmission line is coupled such that a length thereof is an integer multiple of a wavelength at a center frequency, and the T-junction, the first radiating element, and the coupled transmission line are connected in series to form a series feeding circuit network.