Modular Phased Array Antenna with Band Stop FSS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultra-wide band (UWB) antenna technologies face challenges in achieving low profile, ultra-wide band, and low frequency performance with high cross-polarization gain, while being modular and scalable, to support next-generation multi-function radio frequency systems.
Innovation Solution
A low profile, ultra-wide band, low frequency modular phased array antenna with a coincident phase center is designed, incorporating a radiator assembly, a patterned ferrite layer, and a band stop frequency selective surface (FSS) to minimize dissipative losses and enable modular scalability, along with embedded feed electronics for reduced depth and improved thermal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional UWB antenna designs are used, then bandwidth performance can be achieved, but profile height increases and low frequency performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into modular antenna cells that can be independently designed and assembled. Each cell contains segmented functional layers (radiator assembly, patterned ferrite layer, band stop FSS) that can be optimized separately, enabling low profile design while maintaining low frequency performance through modular scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna employs composite material structures including patterned ferrite layers combined with frequency selective surfaces (FSS). This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of low profile height, ultra-wide bandwidth, and low frequency performance by leveraging the complementary properties of different materials and structures.
2Reliability
If high cross-polarization gain is achieved, then antenna performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patterned ferrite layer implements local quality by positioning ferrous material specifically along the coincident phase center and creating openings offset from it. This localized material distribution optimizes cross-polarization performance in specific regions without requiring complex overall structure, achieving high cross-polarization gain with controlled complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The band stop frequency selective surface (FSS) acts as an intermediary layer between the radiator assembly and patterned ferrite layer. This intermediate structure mediates the electromagnetic field interactions, enabling high cross-polarization performance while simplifying the overall design by providing a clear functional interface between components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular design is implemented, then scalability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is segmented into standardized modular cells with consistent internal architecture (radiator assembly, patterned ferrite layer, band stop FSS, ground plane). This segmentation enables scalability through simple repetition of identical modules, reducing manufacturing complexity despite the modular design, as each cell can be produced using the same processes and then assembled.
4Length of stationary object
If embedded feed electronics are used, then depth is reduced and thermal performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feed electronics are merged with the ground plane assembly, combining functional elements into a single integrated component. This merging reduces overall antenna depth by eliminating separate mounting structures and improves thermal performance by utilizing the ground plane as a heat sink, while managing complexity through functional integration rather than addition.
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 antenna achieves excellent cross-polarization performance over a wide field of view and 15:1 bandwidth from 130 MHz to 2 GHz, with a modular design allowing for scalable arrays, while maintaining low profile and low frequency performance.
Implementation Method 1
a band stop frequency selective surface (FSS) axially interposed between the radiator assembly and the patterned ferrite layer to minimize dissipative losses
Implementation Method 2
The patterned ferrite layer includes ferrous material, which is arranged in line with at least the coincident phase center
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna is provided and includes a radiator assembly extending along a first plane, a patterned ferrite layer extending along a second plane and a band stop frequency selective surface (FSS) extending along a third plane. The third plane of the band stop FSS is axially interposed between the first plane of the radiator assembly and the second plane of the patterned ferrite layer.