Modular Active-Passive Antenna System with Electromagnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current active-passive antenna systems (APAs) face complexity and time consumption in replacing active and passive modules due to multiple electrical connections, which complicates field maintenance and upgrades, and can lead to performance issues due to antenna blockage during beam scanning.
Innovation Solution
Designing APA systems with fully separatable and independently operable passive and active antenna modules that are not electrically connected via RF connectors, allowing for separate removal and replacement, and using electromagnetic coupling or waveguiding elements to minimize interference and maintain compact form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If passive and active antenna modules are electrically connected via RF connectors, then electrical connectivity is ensured, but module replacement becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes RF connectors and electrical connections between passive and active antenna modules, extracting the electrical connection function while maintaining mechanical integration. This allows modules to be replaced independently without dealing with complex RF connections, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of repair and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system is segmented into independently replaceable passive and active modules that are mechanically integrated but electrically separate. This segmentation enables the passive module to be replaced without affecting the active module, simplifying maintenance while maintaining system functionality.
2Ease of operation
If passive antenna module is made detachable as a single part, then field replacement is simplified, but electrical connections between active and passive modules must be removed first
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection function by eliminating RF connectors between modules. The passive antenna module can then be detached as a single part without removing any electrical connections, as none exist between the modules. This resolves the contradiction by making field replacement simple while avoiding the complexity of electrical connection management.
3Weight of stationary object
If compact form factor is maintained, then weight and wind load are reduced, but antenna blockage between modules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic coupling structure as an intermediary between the passive and active antenna modules. This coupling structure enables compact integration while managing electromagnetic interactions to minimize blockage effects. The coupling acts as a mediator that allows close proximity without significant performance deterioration.
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 approach simplifies module replacement, reduces complexity, and maintains performance by eliminating RF connectors, allowing for improved gain and reduced passive intermodulation while minimizing antenna blockage, thus enabling efficient field maintenance and upgrades without significant performance deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
The passive antenna module is not electrically connected to the active antenna module via RF connectors when in the connected state. Instead, the passive antenna module is electromagnetically coupled to the active antenna module.
Implementation Method 2
The passive antenna module is electromagnetically coupled to the active antenna module such that the passive antenna module is able to receive electromagnetic radiation from the active antenna module and/or receive power from the active antenna module in the connected state.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, there is provided a passive antenna module for an active-passive antenna system. The passive antenna module includes a chassis for detachably mounting onto an active antenna module. The chassis includes an opening or a cavity for extending at least partially over the active antenna module when the chassis is mounted onto the active antenna module. The passive antenna module includes a ground plane layer arranged within or over said opening or cavity and fixed to the chassis. The ground plane layer includes a metallic or metallized grid. The passive antenna module includes a first antenna array including one or more first antenna elements arranged, in part, over said chassis and adjacent to said opening or cavity and, in part, over said opening or cavity. The chassis and the ground plane layer are adapted to act as ground planes for the first antenna array.