Multi-Frequency Reflect Array with Dual Phasing Element Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reflect arrays for microwave and millimeter wave radiation are limited in their ability to efficiently manage phase shifts across multiple frequency bands, making it difficult to emulate different curvatures and direct beams effectively in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A multiple frequency reflect array design featuring two-dimensional arrays of conductive phasing elements with varying dimensions and shapes, supported by a dielectric substrate, which allows for tailored phase shift patterns across the array to emulate different curvatures for multiple frequency bands, enabling efficient beam steering and directionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single frequency reflect array is used, then the phase shift control is simple, but the ability to efficiently manage phase shifts across multiple frequency bands is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reflect array is segmented into multiple independent frequency-specific sub-arrays, where each sub-array is optimized for a specific frequency band. This allows each segment to independently control phase shifts for its designated band, enabling multi-frequency operation while maintaining manageable complexity within each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflect array structure is designed to perform multiple functions by integrating several frequency-specific reflector patterns into a single array. Each region of the array can be configured to reflect electromagnetic waves at different frequencies with appropriate phase shifts, making the single structure universal across multiple frequency bands.
2Ease of operation
If the conductive elements are varied to cause a varying phase shift, then the beam steering capability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive elements are designed with locally varied dimensions and shapes across different regions of the array, where each element's geometry is optimized to produce the specific phase shift required for beam steering in that particular location. This local customization enables precise phase control while allowing standardized manufacturing techniques for each element type.
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 solution enables the reflect array to effectively redirect and collimate microwave beams across multiple frequency bands, allowing for the emulation of various reflector curvatures, enhancing beam directionality and performance in applications such as point-to-point communications and directed energy systems.
Implementation Method 1
Passive reflect arrays are arrays of conductive elements adapted to reflect microwave or millimeter wave radiation within a predefined frequency band. The radiation may be reflected with a phase shift that is dependent on the size, shape, or other characteristic of the conductive elements.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a reflect array which may include a dielectric substrate having first and second surfaces. The second surface may support a conductive layer. A first array of conductive phasing elements and a second array of conductive phasing elements may be supported by the first surface. The first array may have a first pitch and the second array may have a second pitch different from the first pitch.