Multi-Ring Parasitic Antenna Array with Variable Impedance Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parasitic antenna arrays fail to achieve high efficiency at higher microwave frequencies due to neglected interconnect impedance effects, resulting in low gain, large, heavy, and expensive designs that are impractical for applications like UAVs or soldier platforms.
Innovation Solution
A multi-ring switched parasitic antenna array design that includes a substrate, a monopole element, and multiple parasitic elements forming concentric rings, with adjustable load circuits using diodes and capacitors to provide variable impedance, allowing efficient radiation patterns even at high frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single component (PIN diode, varactor diode, or variable capacitor) is used to implement variable reactance in parasitic antenna arrays, then the device complexity is reduced, but the antenna gain and efficiency deteriorate at higher microwave frequencies due to neglected interconnect impedance effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single variable reactance component into multiple discrete components (resistors, capacitors, and PIN diodes) arranged in specific circuits for each parasitic element. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's value to compensate for frequency-dependent interconnect impedance effects, thereby maintaining antenna efficiency at higher frequencies while keeping each individual component simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different component values and configurations to different parasitic elements based on their specific positions and electrical characteristics. Each parasitic element's reactance is independently tuned using locally optimized component values, allowing the system to address local impedance variations at high frequencies without increasing overall system complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard DC bias networks with large resistance or inductance are used for RF chokes, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the antenna performance deteriorates at higher frequencies due to significant interconnect impedance effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the bias network components from standard large values to specifically optimized values that account for frequency-dependent interconnect impedance. The resistance and capacitance values are carefully selected to maintain proper DC biasing while compensating for inductive effects at high frequencies, thereby improving antenna performance without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
3Device complexity
If currently available parasitic antenna array implementations are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the antenna size, weight, and cost increase, making them impractical for UAV or soldier platform applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements the parasitic antenna array on a flexible substrate using thin-film deposited components (resistors, capacitors, and diodes). This approach dramatically reduces the antenna's size and weight compared to traditional rigid constructions, making it suitable for UAV and soldier platform applications while maintaining the relatively simple overall structure.
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 design achieves improved RF and DC performance, increased directional gain, and reduced size, weight, and cost, making it suitable for high-frequency applications such as UAVs and soldier platforms, with enhanced power handling and reduced SWAP-C (size, weight, and cost) compared to existing antennas.
Implementation Method 1
a monopole element, the monopole element being connected to the substrate, the monopole element configured for radiating electromagnetic energy in an omni-directional radiation pattern
Implementation Method 2
reflecting the radiated electromagnetic energy via the first parasitic element, the first parasitic element being one of a first plurality of parasitic elements, said first plurality of parasitic elements forming a first ring, said first ring being formed around the central monopole; and reflecting the radiated electromagnetic energy via the second parasitic element
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of load circuits, the plurality of load circuits being connected to the parasitic elements and the ground plane, wherein a first load circuit included in the plurality of load circuits is connected to a base of a first parasitic element included in the parasitic elements, said load circuit being configured for providing an adjustable impedance to the first parasitic element
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a multi-ring switched parasitic array for improved antenna gain. The array includes multiple rings of parasitic elements configured around a central monopole element. Each parasitic element may be connected to a corresponding load circuit. Variable impedances may be applied to the parasitic elements via the variable impedance loads for causing the antenna array to produce a desired radiation pattern and/or for increasing gain of directional beams radiated by the parasitic antenna array.