Multi-feed beam scanning antenna for microwave link alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
High installation costs and susceptibility of microwave links to antenna shakes, particularly in urban environments where microwave towers are limited, making alignment and installation challenging and costly.
Innovation Solution
A beam scanning antenna system comprising a multi-feed antenna with a feed switching module and a switching control module that includes a beam alignment module, allowing for seamless beam scanning and automatic selection of the best signal quality feed to maintain link stability, even in windy conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a high-gain antenna is used to achieve longer transmission distance, then transmission distance is improved, but beam angle becomes excessively small making alignment very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple independent feed elements (at least two feeds), each capable of generating separate beams. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high gain for long-distance transmission while providing multiple beam directions to facilitate easier alignment, resolving the contradiction between transmission distance and alignment difficulty.
2Length of stationary object
If a high-gain antenna with small beam angle is used, then transmission distance is improved, but the microwave link becomes easily affected by antenna shakes in windy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system implements dynamic beam switching capability through multiple feeds and a switching control module. When antenna shakes occur in windy conditions, the system can dynamically switch between different feeds to maintain link stability, resolving the contradiction between transmission distance and link reliability by providing adaptability to environmental changes.
3Reliability
If a microwave tower is used for antenna installation, then link stability is improved, but installation costs and alignment difficulty increase for working personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the installation parameter from requiring stable microwave towers to enabling installation on various supports (poles, rooftops, walls). The multi-feed antenna design with automatic beam switching compensates for the reduced structural stability by maintaining link reliability through electronic beam adjustment, thereby reducing installation costs while preserving link stability.
4Reliability
If a microwave tower is used for antenna installation, then link stability is improved, but the installation location becomes limited and not feasible in all scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is designed with universal installation capability through its multi-feed architecture and electronic beam switching. It can be installed on various structures (poles, rooftops, walls, or towers) and automatically adapts to maintain link stability, making it versatile for different installation scenarios while preserving reliability.
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 system reduces installation costs and enhances link stability by enabling automatic feed selection and beam alignment, minimizing the impact of antenna shakes on microwave links.
Implementation Method 1
the aperture unit is configured to focus the electromagnetic wave signal by means of reflection or refraction
Implementation Method 2
the aperture unit is configured to focus the electromagnetic wave signal by means of reflection or refraction
Data Source
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AI summary
A beam scanning antenna, a microwave system, and a beam alignment method are disclosed. The method includes: instructing, by a switching control module, a feed switching module to enable each feed in a multi-feed antenna, so that the feeds separately perform signal quality detection, where the multi-feed antenna includes an aperture unit and at least two feeds, where the feeds are configured to radiate an electromagnetic wave signal, the feed switching module includes multiple switches, and each feed is respectively connected to one switch in the feed switching module; acquiring, by the switching control module, a result of the signal quality detection performed by each feed; and selecting, by the switching control module according to the result of the signal quality detection, one feed having the best signal quality as a working feed.