Multi-band Electronically Scanned Array Antenna Shared Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern radar, jammer, and communications antenna systems require wideband frequency capability within constrained volume allocations, but existing Electronically Scanned Array (ESA) designs are bandwidth-limited, necessitating multiple antenna assemblies for each frequency band, leading to increased volume, weight, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A multi-band electronically scanned array antenna design that packages electronic layers in a single assembly with a shared aperture, using a band switching or combining circuit to enable operation across multiple frequency bands, reducing the need for separate antenna assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate antenna assemblies are used for each frequency band, then bandwidth coverage is improved, but volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple frequency band antenna assemblies into a single integrated antenna structure. The first and second antenna assemblies, designed for different frequency bands, are merged to share a common aperture and support structure, thereby achieving wideband coverage while reducing the overall volume compared to using separate antenna assemblies for each band.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal antenna assembly that can operate across multiple frequency bands. By designing the antenna structure to support both first and second frequency bands simultaneously through shared components, the system achieves multi-functionality where a single antenna assembly performs the role of what would traditionally require multiple specialized assemblies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate antenna assemblies are used for each frequency band, then frequency band coverage is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna assemblies into one integrated structure where the first and second antenna assemblies share common support structures, mounting mechanisms, and spatial allocation. This consolidation eliminates duplicate weight from separate assemblies while maintaining the capability to operate across multiple frequency bands.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna assemblies are used for wideband applications, then frequency capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces system complexity by merging multiple antenna assemblies into a single integrated unit. The first and second antenna assemblies are combined to share a common aperture, support structure, and mounting mechanism, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining wideband frequency capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal antenna assembly that can handle multiple frequency bands through shared components and structures. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized assemblies for each band, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving wideband operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-band electronically scanned array antenna including a first sub-assembly having electronic circuits for a first frequency band; a second sub-assembly mechanically coupled to the first sub-assembly and having electronic circuits for a second frequency band; and an aperture adjacent to the first sub-assembly, the aperture being shared by the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly. The array antenna may further include a band switching circuit, or a combining circuit for coupling the first sub-assembly or the second sub-assembly to the aperture. The array antenna may also include a third sub-assembly including electronic circuits for a third frequency band. In this way, the aperture is shared by the first sub-assembly, the second sub-assembly, and the third sub-assembly to provide a smaller and lighter array antenna.