Modular Dual-Balun Board for Low-Profile Array Antenna

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Solution Overview

Problem

Next-generation communication systems require antenna systems with dual polarized, coincident phase center radiating elements that support dual linear and/or circular polarization, high bandwidth, and high scan volume operations, while also being low profile and cost-effective.

Innovation Solution

The use of modular, multi-layer dual-balun board structures that are directly coupled to dual polarized radiating elements, allowing for a low profile design, quick and simple installation, and easy replacement, fabricated using printed circuit board techniques to reduce fabrication time and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If traditional feeding structures are used for dual polarized radiating elements, then the antenna can support dual linear and/or circular polarization operation, but the antenna profile becomes high and fabrication complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna profileVSAvoidfeeding structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feeding structure is divided into separate modular balun boards, with each balun board containing specific balun circuits that can be independently fabricated and assembled. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized separately while reducing overall assembly complexity and enabling low-profile integration close to the radiating elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The balun boards are positioned in a perpendicular orientation relative to the radiating elements, utilizing the vertical dimension to place feeding structures close to the elements without increasing the horizontal footprint. This dimensional approach enables low-profile antenna design while maintaining effective coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex feeding structures are used to achieve dual polarization support, then polarization versatility is improved, but fabrication time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization support capabilityVSAvoidfabrication speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular balun boards are designed to support both linear and circular polarization operations through integrated dual-balun circuits. Each balun board can feed multiple radiating elements with different polarization modes, providing universal functionality that reduces the need for separate feeding structures for different polarization requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The balun boards are pre-fabricated using standard PCB techniques before final antenna assembly. This preliminary fabrication allows for optimized manufacturing processes, quality control, and easier replacement if needed, significantly reducing overall antenna fabrication time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Length of moving object

If feeding structures are integrated close to radiating elements for low profile design, then antenna profile is reduced, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna profileVSAvoidinstallation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The feeding structure is segmented into modular balun boards that can be independently handled and installed. Each balun board is designed as a self-contained unit with standardized connection interfaces, making installation straightforward despite the close proximity to radiating elements. The modular nature allows for systematic assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If custom feeding structures are designed for dual polarized elements, then performance requirements are met, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance specificationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional mechanical feeding structures are replaced with printed circuit board-based balun boards that use standard PCB fabrication techniques. This substitution allows for precise electromagnetic performance through controlled impedance traces and standardized components, while dramatically reducing manufacturing cost through high-volume PCB production methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The balun board designs utilize standard PCB materials and component values that can be sourced commercially, rather than requiring custom-engineered components. By optimizing transmission line dimensions, dielectric constants, and component selections to match available off-the-shelf items, the design achieves required performance specifications using cost-effective standard parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9437929B2Dual polarized array antenna with modular multi-balun board and associated methods

Publication Date: 2016.09.06 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

An array antenna includes a modular, multi-layer, multi-balun board structure for use in feeding a dual polarization radiating element. In some embodiments, contacts on a multi-balun board structure may be directly conductively coupled to corresponding feed points of a dual polarization radiating element during antenna assembly. The multi-balun board structure may be inserted into an opening within an aperture board of an array antenna before the contacts are secured to the feed points. Dual balun board structures may be provided for some or all of the radiating elements on the aperture board.