Magnetoresistive Sensor Array for Compact RF Antenna Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF antenna systems are unsuitable for platforms with restrictive weight and size specifications and often require physical modifications, such as slots in the aircraft skin, which can be undesirable, especially at lower frequencies like 1 to 100 MHz.
Innovation Solution
The development of a radio frequency (RF) sensor system utilizing a plurality of magnetoresistive sensors configured in a Wheatstone bridge circuit, combined with combiner circuitry and an amplifier, which can be integrated into a compact form without significant physical interruptions, using a conductive ground plane and a semiconductor substrate to maintain performance across a wide range of bandwidths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional antenna systems are used to support wide bandwidth, then the antenna can receive RF energy effectively, but the physical dimensions and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical antenna structures with a magnetoresistive sensor array that detects magnetic fields generated by RF energy. This substitution eliminates the need for large physical antenna elements while maintaining bandwidth capability through the magnetic field sensing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from direct RF energy reception (requiring large physical structures) to magnetic field detection (using compact magnetoresistive elements). This parameter change enables wide bandwidth support without increasing physical dimensions or weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional antenna systems are used to support wide bandwidth, then the antenna can receive RF energy effectively, but the physical dimensions increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical antenna structures with a magnetoresistive sensor array that detects magnetic fields generated by RF energy. This substitution eliminates the need for large physical antenna elements while maintaining bandwidth capability through the magnetic field sensing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional antenna structures to a two-dimensional sensor array configuration. The magnetoresistive elements are arranged in a planar configuration that detects magnetic fields, reducing the physical footprint while maintaining operational capability across wide bandwidths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If slots are formed in the aircraft skin for antenna operation, then RF energy can be received, but aerodynamic efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical slots in the aircraft skin with a magnetoresistive sensor array that detects magnetic fields. This substitution eliminates the need for physical interruptions in the aircraft skin, maintaining aerodynamic efficiency while enabling RF energy reception through magnetic field sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between RF energy and the detection system. Instead of directly receiving RF energy through physical slots, the system uses magnetoresistive elements to detect the magnetic field component of RF energy, eliminating the need for physical interruptions in the aircraft skin.
4Volume of moving object
If magnetoresistive sensors are used to detect magnetic fields, then the system becomes compact and integration-friendly, but the sensitivity to weak magnetic fields may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple magnetoresistive elements into an array configuration, combining their individual detection capabilities. This merging approach maintains compactness while enhancing overall sensitivity through the collective response of multiple sensors to weak magnetic fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the magnetoresistive sensor array to perform multiple functions: detecting magnetic fields across wide bandwidths, maintaining compact dimensions, and providing sufficient sensitivity through the array effect. The universal design allows the same compact structure to handle various RF frequencies and field strengths.
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 solution allows for a compact, high-performance RF sensor system that maintains effectiveness across a wide range of frequencies without the need for significant physical modifications, reducing weight and size while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
each magnetoresistive sensor includes a configuration of magnetoresistive elements and is adapted to produce a time-varying output voltage in response to a time-varying, external magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
Other types of systems may include a ground plane, which is adapted to carry currents produced from RF energy incident upon the ground plane
Data Source
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AI summary
An embodiment includes a radio frequency (RF) sensor system having a plurality of magnetoresistive (MR) sensors, where each MR sensor includes a configuration of MR elements and is adapted to produce a time-varying output voltage in response to a time-varying, external magnetic field. The RF sensor system also includes combiner circuitry, electrically coupled to the plurality of MR sensors, and adapted to receive and combine a plurality of time-varying output voltages from the plurality of MR sensors to generate a sensor output voltage. Another embodiment includes an electromagnetic sensor array having a plurality of MR sensors arranged in an array configuration, where each MR sensor includes a plurality of MR elements forming a Wheatstone bridge circuit, and where each MR sensor is adapted to produce a time-varying output voltage in response to a time-varying, external magnetic field. Still another embodiment includes a method for manufacturing an electromagnetic sensor array.