Multi-band Phased Array Antenna with Integral Faraday Cage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microwave and millimeter-wave frequency antennas are cumbersome and require large structures, which are inefficient for steerable beam applications, especially in moving communication and radar systems, where they often increase weight, drag, and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A phased array antenna structure with a conductive resonator electromagnetically coupled to a feed line, shielded by a Faraday cage with an electromagnetically-shielding ground plane and conductive strips, allowing for a wide scan volume and reduced size, weight, and power consumption, while maintaining good circular polarization and conformal integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional waveguide or dish antenna structures are used, then electromagnetic shielding and beam steering capability are achieved, but the antenna size, weight, and structural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple independent antenna elements arranged in a phased array configuration. Each element can be individually controlled to achieve beam steering through phase and amplitude modulation of the feed signals, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical steering mechanisms while maintaining beam directionality and steering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical beam steering mechanisms (such as gimbals or motor-driven dish rotation) with an electronic phased array system. Beam steering is achieved by electronically adjusting the phase and amplitude of signals fed to each antenna element, substituting mechanical motion with electronic control to reduce weight and improve reliability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional waveguide or horn structures are used, then electromagnetic shielding is provided, but the antenna becomes bulky and non-conformal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin, flexible substrate materials to support the antenna elements and feeding networks. These thin-film substrates allow the antenna to conform to curved or irregular surfaces while maintaining electromagnetic shielding effectiveness through carefully designed ground planes and shielding structures integrated into the thin substrate architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional three-dimensional waveguide structures to a planar two-dimensional microstrip antenna configuration. This dimensional reduction allows the antenna to be flattened and conformally mounted on surfaces while maintaining shielding capability through integrated ground planes and strategic placement of conducting elements within the planar structure.
3Reliability
If separate narrow-banded SATCOM systems are used, then frequency-specific performance is optimized, but size, weight, and integration cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-band phased array antenna system where a single integrated structure can operate across multiple frequency bands (e.g., Ka-band, Q-band, V-band). The antenna elements and feeding networks are configured to support wideband operation, eliminating the need for separate narrow-banded SATCOM systems and reducing integration complexity and cost while maintaining optimized performance across all frequency bands.
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 provides a lightweight, thin, and cost-effective antenna with a wide scan volume, capable of covering multiple frequency bands, reducing aerodynamic drag and integration costs, and enabling efficient beam steering without mechanical motion.
Implementation Method 1
a faraday cage is operable to shield the conductive resonator and the feed line
Implementation Method 2
A feed line is electromagnetically coupled to a conductive resonator
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna structure and method is disclosed. A feed line is electromagnetically coupled to a conductive resonator. Further a faraday cage is operable to shield the conductive resonator and the feed line. The faraday cage comprises an electromagnetically-shielding ground plane coupled to a plurality of conductive strips by at least one conductive via.