Missile Radar Antenna Layout for High Resolution at Lower Frequencies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna arrays for missiles face challenges in integrating complex electronics for high angular resolution, which leads to reduced range and increased production and operational costs when operating at high frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A one-dimensional transmitting and receiving antenna array is arranged on the edges of control surfaces of a missile, with separate transmitting and receiving arrays forming orthogonal angles, allowing for lower frequency operation and reduced system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional arrays operate at high frequencies to achieve high angular resolution, then angular resolution is improved, but range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional AESA arrays to a one-dimensional array configuration arranged along the edge of a control surface. This dimensional reduction allows the system to achieve high angular resolution through the one-dimensional spatial arrangement of antenna elements while operating at lower frequencies, thereby extending detection range without sacrificing measurement precision.
2Reliability
If several adaptive electronically steerable arrays are used for detecting and tracking objects, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both transmitting and receiving antenna elements into a single one-dimensional array structure mounted on the control surface edge. This merged configuration eliminates the need for separate transmit and receive arrays, reducing electronic complexity and integration difficulty while maintaining full detection and tracking capability through the unified array structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-dimensional array serves multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as both a transmitting array and a receiving array, and can perform both detection and tracking operations. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized arrays, thereby reducing overall system complexity while preserving comprehensive detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If conventional arrays are configured for high angular resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but production costs and integration efforts increase
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging antenna elements in a one-dimensional configuration along the control surface edge rather than using a two-dimensional grid, the patent simplifies the manufacturing and integration process. The linear arrangement requires fewer connection points and less complex routing, reducing production costs and integration efforts while maintaining high angular resolution through the one-dimensional spatial sampling.
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 high angular resolution with reduced production and operational costs, while enabling operation at lower frequencies and simplifying integration, and supports electronic beam alignment in three-dimensional space.
Implementation Method 1
there are used several adaptive electronically steerable arrays (ASEAs) that are configured to transmit (transmit, Tx) high-frequency radar signals and to receive (receive, Rx) (reflected) radar signals
Implementation Method 2
the antenna elements of the transmitting antenna array are configurable to transmit phase-synchronized signals to generate a common directional antenna lobe
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an antenna array for detecting and/or tracking one or more objects. The antenna array comprises a receiving antenna array having antenna elements for receiving a signal, wherein the receiving antenna array is arranged in a first one-dimensional array. The antenna array further comprises a transmitting antenna array having antenna elements for transmitting the signal, wherein the transmitting antenna array is arranged in a second one-dimensional array which is different from the first one-dimensional array.