Modular Beam Former Architecture for MFPB Antenna Source Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Multiple Feeds Per Beam (MFPB) antennas face complexity in manufacturing and limited beam formation due to the need for complex Beam Forming Networks (BFNs) that require axial power combining circuits and shared radiofrequency sources, restricting two-dimensional space coverage without modular subassemblies.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical architecture for a single-reflector MFPB antenna with source sharing in two spatial dimensions, featuring independent elementary combining circuits mounted between parallel metal interface plates, utilizing a candlestick structure with contactless junctions and additive manufacturing for flexible beam formation and modular assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex BFN with axial power combining circuits is used to enable source sharing in two dimensions, then beam formation capability is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes very complex
Solution Approach 1:
The BFN is divided into multiple independent elementary combining circuits, each handling a specific beam formation task. These circuits are arranged in a modular fashion with independent access to RF sources through the interface plates, eliminating the need for a single complex axial combining structure. Each elementary circuit can be manufactured and tested separately before assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional axial (one-dimensional) power combining to a three-dimensional arrangement where combining circuits are distributed throughout a volume defined by two parallel interface plates. RF sources access multiple combining circuits through the plates, enabling two-dimensional source sharing without axial intersections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If axial power combining circuits are used in conventional BFN, then beam formation is achieved, but physical separation of combination circuits for different beams becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The combining function is segmented into multiple independent elementary circuits distributed in three-dimensional space between the interface plates. Each circuit is physically separable and can be manufactured as an independent module, allowing for simplified fabrication and assembly compared to monolithic axial combining structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The two parallel interface plates act as intermediaries that enable independent access to RF sources for multiple combining circuits. The plates provide a structured interface layer that decouples the RF source array from the combining circuits, allowing each circuit to be positioned and connected independently without interfering with others.
3Productivity
If modular subassemblies are not used in BFN, then manufacturing complexity increases, but the number of beams that can be formed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular elementary combining circuits that can be manufactured as separate subassemblies. Each module contains the necessary waveguide components and coupling structures, allowing for standardized production and easy scaling to increase the number of beams without proportionally increasing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs additive manufacturing (3D printing) to produce waveguide components with precise geometric parameters. This manufacturing approach enables complex three-dimensional waveguide structures to be fabricated directly from digital models, simplifying the production of modular subassemblies and allowing easy adjustment of beam parameters through design modifications rather than physical reconfiguration.
4Volume of moving object
If sources are reused in a single dimension of space, then compactness is achieved, but good coverage in two dimensions of space requires a second identical antenna
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables two-dimensional source sharing by distributing combining circuits in three-dimensional space between two parallel interface plates. RF sources can feed multiple combining circuits in two dimensions through the plate structure, allowing a single antenna to achieve coverage in two dimensions without requiring a second identical antenna, thus maintaining compactness while expanding versatility.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The mechanical architecture of the beam former comprises a plurality of elementary combining circuits (11) and a support structure (10), the elementary combining circuits (11) being independent of each other, each elementary combining circuit being intended for the formation of a beam, the support structure (10) comprising two metal interface plates (13, 14), respectively upper and lower, the two interface plates being arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart, along a height direction Z orthogonal to the two interface plates, the elementary combining circuits (11) being mounted in the space between the two interface plates (13, 14) and fixed perpendicularly to the two interface plates.