Modular Dual-Band Radiating Element for Space Antenna Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active radiating arrays for space communication are typically single band, requiring multiple arrays for uplink and downlink, leading to thermal management, weight, and space challenges, and dual band stacked patch antennas suffer from insufficient isolation between receive and transmit bands.
Innovation Solution
A dual band radiating element with concentric design, featuring a first radiating patch for transmitting S-Band signals and a second patch for receiving L-Band signals, separated by dielectric layers to improve isolation, and a modular assembly method for easy installation and maintenance on spacecraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple single band arrays are used for uplink and downlink, then communication functionality is achieved, but weight and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple single-band patch antennas into a single dual-band stacked patch antenna structure. The first patch antenna operates at S-band frequency while the second patch antenna operates at L-band frequency, allowing both uplink and downlink communication to be achieved through one integrated structure rather than separate arrays, thereby reducing overall weight and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacked patch antenna structure performs multiple functions simultaneously - it supports both S-band transmission and L-band reception within a single antenna assembly. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate single-band arrays, directly addressing the weight reduction goal while maintaining full communication functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple single band arrays are used for uplink and downlink, then communication functionality is achieved, but thermal management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple single-band arrays into one dual-band stacked patch antenna, the patent consolidates thermal sources into a single compact structure. This integration makes thermal management more efficient compared to managing heat from multiple separate arrays distributed across the spacecraft, while preserving all communication functions.
3Weight of stationary object
If dual band stacked patch antennas are used, then weight and space are reduced, but isolation between receive and transmit bands is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ground plane as an intermediary element positioned between the first patch antenna (S-band transmit) and the second patch antenna (L-band receive). This ground plane acts as a shielding barrier that improves isolation between the two frequency bands, preventing harmful interference while maintaining the compact dual-band structure that provides weight and space benefits.
4Area of stationary object
If dual band stacked patch antennas are used, then space requirement is reduced, but isolation between receive and transmit bands is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ground plane serves as a spatial separator and electromagnetic shield between the transmit and receive patches. This intermediary structure enables the compact stacked design to achieve adequate band isolation despite the reduced space, preventing interference while maintaining the space-efficient configuration.
5Adaptability or versatility
If traditional antenna arrays are used, then communication coverage is achieved, but complexity of installation and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into modular stacked patch antenna units that can be independently configured and installed. Each dual-band stacked patch antenna operates as a self-contained module, simplifying installation and maintenance compared to traditional distributed arrays, while maintaining comprehensive communication coverage through coordinated operation of multiple modules.
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 dual band radiating element enhances communication efficiency by allowing simultaneous S-Band transmission and L-Band reception with improved isolation, reducing weight and thermal management issues, while the modular design simplifies maintenance and reduces the complexity of spacecraft antenna arrays.
Implementation Method 1
A first dielectric layer interposes the first radiating patch and the second radiating patch and a second dielectric layer interposes the second radiating patch and a ground plane
Implementation Method 2
a first radiating patch antenna for transmitting RF signal of a first signal frequency band (e.g. S-Band), and a second radiating patch antenna for receiving RF signals of a second signal frequency band (e.g. L-Band)
Data Source
AI summary
A dual band radiating element and modular antenna array suitable for application in space communications is provided. The dual band radiating element comprises a stacked patch antenna for transmitting RF signal of a first signal frequency band (e.g. S-Band) and receiving RF signals of a second signal frequency band (e.g. L-Band). The concentric design of the radiating element can achieve savings in material and mass compared to other stacked patch antennas. For effective operation in space applications, a first radiation patch in the radiating element is isolated from a second radiation patch by shielding a feed pin to the first radiation patch as it travels through the dielectric layer separating the patches. Individual radiating elements can be attached to individual filter/amplification units in a modular antenna array allowing for individual components to be easily installed, repaired or replaced with minimal impact to the rest of the antenna array and/or spacecraft.