Multiband Wave Guiding Structures for Low-Loss Antenna Feeds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antennas for satellite communication systems face challenges in efficiently supporting multiple frequency bands, such as Ku and Ka bands, due to mechanical complexity, excess loss, and difficulty in maintaining high aperture efficiency at low frequencies.
Innovation Solution
The development of multiband guiding structures for antennas, including center-fed and edge-fed designs, tunable directional couplers, and multi-layer structures that allow for dynamic reconfiguration of coupling coefficients, enabling efficient propagation of feed waves across multiple frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional waveguide and splitter feed structure is used, then the antenna can support multiple frequency bands, but the mechanical complexity increases and excess loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple feed structures (center-fed and edge-fed waveguides) into a single integrated antenna system, eliminating the need for separate waveguide structures for different frequency bands. This merging approach reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining multi-band support through a unified feed network design.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system is designed with a universal feed structure that can handle multiple frequency bands (Ku and Ka bands) simultaneously through a single waveguide system. The waveguide and splitter configuration provides multi-functional capability, allowing the same structure to serve both low and high frequency operations without requiring separate dedicated structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional waveguide and splitter feed structure is used, then the antenna can support multiple frequency bands, but excess loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the feed paths and using a unified waveguide structure, the patent reduces the number of discrete components and connections required, thereby minimizing cumulative losses from multiple interfaces and transitions. The integrated design reduces excess loss while maintaining multi-band functionality.
3Device complexity
If a single-band waveguide structure is used, then the design is simpler, but it cannot operate across multiple frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide structure is designed with universal characteristics that enable it to operate across multiple frequency bands. The waveguide dimensions, material properties, and feed network configuration are optimized to support both Ku and Ka bands, providing multi-functional operation within a single simplified structure rather than requiring separate band-specific designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the waveguide structure, such as varying the waveguide dimensions, dielectric properties, and feed network configuration, to enable operation across different frequency bands. By adjusting these parameters, the same basic structure can adapt to support multiple bands without requiring completely different designs for each band.
4Ease of operation
If center-fed and edge-fed structures are combined, then independent control of aperture distribution and power transfer is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges center-fed and edge-fed waveguide structures into a single integrated system where both feed types coexist within the same antenna aperture. This combination enables independent control of aperture distribution and power transfer for different frequency bands while maintaining a unified structural framework, reducing the overall complexity compared to having completely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the antenna aperture are assigned different feed types (center-fed in some areas, edge-fed in others) to optimize performance for specific frequency bands. This local differentiation allows independent control of aperture distribution and power transfer in different zones while maintaining overall structural coherence and avoiding the need for entirely separate complex systems.
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
These structures provide independent control of aperture distribution and power transfer, reduce mechanical complexity, and minimize excess loss, allowing for effective operation across multiple frequency bands with improved efficiency and reduced mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a center-fed, multi-band wave guiding structure coupled to the antenna aperture to receive a feed wave in two different frequency bands and propagate the feed wave to the RF radiating antenna elements
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Multiband guiding structures for antennas and methods for using the same are described. In one embodiment, an antenna comprises: an antenna aperture with radio-frequency (RF) radiating antenna elements; and a center-fed, multi-band wave guiding structure coupled to the antenna aperture to receive a feed wave in two different frequency bands and propagate the feed wave to the RF radiating antenna elements of the antenna aperture.