Modular MFPB Antenna Architecture with Through Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MFPB antennas face challenges in constructing modular forms and assembling components without overlap, limiting the number of beams that can be formed due to complex beam forming networks and shared couplers, which restricts their scalability and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A modular MFPB antenna architecture featuring a focal array with independent cluster sources and multiple independent linear partial beam forming networks, connected via a structural interface board with through waveguides, allowing for the assembly of a large number of beams without component overlap and hyperstatic constraints, enabling flexible beam formation and reuse of RF feeds in a single spatial dimension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex beam forming networks with axially positioned power combiner circuits are used to form multiple beams, then the number of beams that can be formed increases, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase significantly due to overlapping components
Solution Approach 1:
The beam forming network is segmented into multiple independent planar networks, each responsible for forming a specific beam. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex three-dimensional overlapping combiner circuits, as each planar network can be independently designed and assembled without interfering with others, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the capability to form multiple beams
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional three-dimensional axially positioned combiner circuits to two-dimensional planar beam forming networks. This dimensional reduction simplifies the spatial arrangement of components, allowing multiple networks to be stacked or arranged in parallel without overlapping, thus reducing assembly difficulty while supporting multiple beam formations
2Quantity of substance
If shared couplers are used to enable RF feed reuse, then the number of RF feeds required decreases, but the ability to physically separate combiner circuits is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent modular units where each planar beam forming network is a separate module. This segmentation allows physical separation of combiner circuits into distinct modules that can be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled together, maintaining ease of manufacture while supporting RF feed reuse across modules
Solution Approach 2:
The modular planar network design creates universal building blocks that can be replicated and combined in various configurations. Each module serves multiple functions: it forms a specific beam, reuses RF feeds from adjacent modules, and can be independently manufactured. This universality enables both RF feed reuse and modular assembly capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional MFPB antenna architecture is used, then beam formation capability is achieved, but modular construction and assembly become difficult due to overlapping components
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into independent planar beam forming networks that can be manufactured as separate modules. Each module maintains the essential multibeam coverage capability on its own plane, and multiple modules are assembled together to achieve the complete coverage pattern, making the overall system easier to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 2:
By moving from three-dimensional overlapping component arrangements to two-dimensional planar networks, the patent enables modular construction where each planar network is a self-contained module. These modules can be stacked or arranged in different spatial configurations without component overlap, significantly improving ease of manufacture and assembly while preserving multibeam coverage capability
Data Source
AI summary
An MFPB antenna comprises a plurality of RF feeds with four ports and a BFN, the number of feeds per beam being equal to four, and a single structural interface board, covering all of the ports of the RF feeds, and comprising a plurality of through waveguides. The through waveguides are positioned according to a matrix with multiple rows and multiple columns. The RF feeds are grouped into subassemblies that are respectively integrated in various independent cluster sources mounted one beside the other on the front face of the interface board, the ports of the RF feeds of each cluster source being connected to the through waveguides. The BFN is composed of multiple independent linear partial BFNs, mounted side by side on the back face of the interface board, the various ports of the power combiners that are integrated in each linear partial BFN being connected to the through waveguides.