Modular Feed Network for Flat Panel Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flat panel array antennas face limitations in achieving efficient electromagnetic radiation characteristics and high directivity due to constraints in feed network design, particularly in the terrestrial point-to-point microwave communication market, where traditional reflector antennas excel but are costly and visually unappealing, and existing array antennas struggle with grating lobes and space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A flat panel antenna utilizing a corporate waveguide network with cavity couplers in stacked layers, enabling higher feed horn density and simplified waveguide network requirements, allowing for improved electrical performance and cost-efficient mass production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional reflector antenna configurations are used, then high antenna directivity and gain are achieved, but support structure complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector antenna is divided into multiple discrete elements arranged in an array configuration. Each element contributes to the overall radiation pattern, allowing the antenna to achieve high directivity through coherent summation of signals from multiple elements rather than relying on a large continuous reflector surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional reflector surface to a three-dimensional array structure with elements positioned at specific spatial coordinates. This dimensional transformation enables beamforming capabilities and high directivity without requiring a large planar reflector area, thereby reducing support structure requirements.
2Reliability
If element spacing is reduced to avoid grating lobes, then electromagnetic radiation characteristics improve, but feed network volume requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feed network components are nested within the element structures themselves. Power dividers, phase shifters, and other feed network elements are integrated into the element housings or mounted on the same structural platform, eliminating the need for separate large-volume feed network enclosures.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed network and element structures are merged into a single integrated assembly. The corporate feed network is configured to distribute signals directly to adjacent elements through compact waveguide or transmission line structures that share common walls and support structures with the elements themselves.
3Reliability
If corporate fed waveguide or slot elements are used, then fixed beam antennas with suitable characteristics are achieved, but element spacing must be less than one wavelength which conflicts with feed network dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the electrical parameters of the feed network to enable operation at smaller physical dimensions. By optimizing impedance matching networks, phase shifter designs, and power divider configurations, the feed network can achieve the required electrical performance with compact physical structures that accommodate sub-wavelength element spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed network incorporates adjustable phase shifters and impedance matching elements that can be tuned to optimize performance for different operating frequencies. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain fixed beam characteristics while accommodating the constrained element spacing required to avoid grating lobes.
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
The solution achieves electrical performance comparable to larger traditional reflector antennas while reducing manufacturing complexity and enabling higher operating frequencies, such as up to 26 GHz, with a compact and visually appealing design.
Implementation Method 1
A flat panel antenna utilizing a corporate waveguide network with cavity couplers in stacked layers
Data Source
AI summary
A modular feed network is provided with a segment base provided with a feed aperture, a corner cavity at each corner and a tap cavity at a mid-section of each of two opposite sides. A segment top is provided with a plurality of output ports. The segment top is dimensioned to seat upon the segment base to form a segment pair. the segment base provided with a plurality of waveguides between cavities of the segment base. The modular feed network is configurable via a range of feed, bypass and/or power divider taps seated in the apertures and/or cavities to form a waveguide network of varied numbers of output ports by routing across one or more of the segment tops. For example, the modular feed network may comprise 1, 4 or 16 of the segment bases retained side to side.