Multi-Aperture ESA with Shared Manifold Support

Solution Overview

Problem

Phased array radar systems require multiple antennas to achieve an adequate field of view, leading to increased size, weight, power consumption, and cost due to the need for dedicated support systems for each aperture.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a multi-aperture electronically scanned array (ESA) system with a shared manifold set of support components and subsystems, allowing multiple ESA assemblies to share resources such as power modules, RF modules, cooling systems, and processing units, thereby reducing redundancy and improving efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ESA assemblies are used to obtain an adequate field of view, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the size, weight, and power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of view coverageVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple ESA assemblies share a common manifold set of support components and subsystems, including power modules, RF modules, cooling systems, and processing units. This merging of support functions across multiple apertures reduces the total weight compared to having dedicated support systems for each ESA assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared manifold set of support components serves multiple ESA assemblies simultaneously. For example, a single power module can power multiple ESA assemblies, a common cooling system cools multiple apertures, and shared processing units handle data from all assemblies, making these components universal rather than dedicated to single apertures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ESA assemblies are used to obtain an adequate field of view, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of view coverageVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple ESA assemblies share a common manifold set of support components and subsystems, including power modules, RF modules, cooling systems, and processing units. This merging of support functions across multiple apertures reduces the total power consumption compared to having dedicated support systems for each ESA assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared manifold set of support components serves multiple ESA assemblies simultaneously. For example, a single power module can power multiple ESA assemblies, a common cooling system cools multiple apertures, and shared processing units handle data from all assemblies, making these components universal rather than dedicated to single apertures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ESA assemblies are used to obtain an adequate field of view, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of view coverageVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple ESA assemblies share a common manifold set of support components and subsystems, including power modules, RF modules, cooling systems, and processing units. This merging of support functions across multiple apertures reduces the total cost compared to having dedicated support systems for each ESA assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared manifold set of support components serves multiple ESA assemblies simultaneously. For example, a single power module can power multiple ESA assemblies, a common cooling system cools multiple apertures, and shared processing units handle data from all assemblies, making these components universal rather than dedicated to single apertures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 shared resource approach results in reduced size, weight, and power requirements while maintaining effective scanning capabilities, enabling a broader field of view with minimized blind zones and reduced costs.

Implementation Method 1

The constructive/destructive interference patterns created by the multiple signals reinforce the signal in certain directions and suppresses the signal in other directions. The phase shifting thus allows the transmitted beam of RF energy to be electronically 'steered' without the need to physically move components of the radar system.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConstructive/destructive interference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS9653804B2Multi-aperture electronically scanned arrays and methods of use

Publication Date: 2017.05.16 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

An electronically scanned array (ESA) system comprises a first ESA assembly including a first antenna system coupled to a first plurality of transmit/receive modules and a second ESA assembly including a second antenna system coupled to a second plurality of transmit/receive modules. The ESA system also includes a manifold system coupled to the first and second ESA assemblies. The manifold system including an RF signal processing system for processing signals received from the first and second ESA assemblies.