Low-Profile HPM Dipole Array for Wideband Power Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) High Power Microwave (HPM) antenna designs are limited in their ability to provide low-profile, scalable, and rugged solutions for maritime environments, particularly in engaging multiple hostile unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) with varying shielding mechanisms and frequency requirements.
Innovation Solution
The development of a low-profile HPM antenna system utilizing an all-metal tightly coupled dipole array (TCDA) with capacitive coupling between elements, integrated with a radome and additive manufacturing techniques such as selective laser melting, to achieve high power and wideband operation with polarization agility and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional HPM antenna designs are used, then power handling capability is sufficient, but profile height is excessive and scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple dipole elements arranged in a grid pattern, where each element contributes to the overall radiation. This segmentation allows the antenna to achieve high power handling through cumulative effect of multiple elements while maintaining low profile of individual elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna transitions from conventional vertical dipole structures to a planar tightly-coupled dipole array configuration. By arranging dipoles in a two-dimensional grid with capacitive coupling, the design achieves high power handling in the horizontal plane while maintaining low vertical profile.
2Adaptability or versatility
If antenna design is optimized for specific frequency bands, then performance at those frequencies is improved, but adaptability to multiple frequencies and polarizations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tightly-coupled dipole array is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate across ultrawide frequency bands (L-band to S-band and beyond) and support multiple polarizations (horizontal, vertical, circular). The same structural configuration achieves all these functions simultaneously through capacitive coupling between elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna achieves frequency agility by changing the effective electrical length and coupling characteristics of the dipole array. By adjusting feed configurations and element spacing, the same physical structure can be tuned to operate reliably across different frequency bands and polarization modes.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional manufacturing methods are used, then structural strength is sufficient, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple antenna elements, feed networks, and support structures are merged into a single integrated structure manufactured in one piece using additive manufacturing. This consolidation eliminates complex assembly processes while the inherent precision of AM technology ensures accurate electrical and mechanical relationships between components.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical assembly processes (fastening, welding, brazing) are replaced by additive manufacturing processes that build the structure layer by layer. This substitution achieves high manufacturing precision through digital control while simplifying production by eliminating multiple assembly steps.
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 proposed antenna system achieves exceptional power handling, ultrawideband operation, and low VSWR, enabling effective engagement of multiple UAS across a wide range of frequencies and polarizations, while maintaining a low profile and ruggedness suitable for maritime environments.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive coupling between elements
Data Source
AI summary
A low-profile, high-power microwave (HPM) antenna system that includes an antenna array formed of a plurality of low-profile dipole cells; an enclosure to surround the antenna array; and a radome cover disposed on top of the enclosure.