Multi-Beam Circular Antenna Array for Continuous 360° Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems struggle to provide continuous and simultaneous 360° coverage due to the latency and limitations of variable and fixed phase shifters, leading to discontinuous and non-simultaneous coverage.
Innovation Solution
The use of Butler matrices in combination with beam forming networks, such as K×N and N×M networks, allows for simultaneous or sequential 360° coverage by replacing variable and fixed phase shifters, enabling passive and robust antenna systems that can cover a full 360° without scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If variable and fixed phase shifters are used in antenna systems, then beam forming capability is achieved, but latency and discontinuous coverage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces variable and fixed phase shifters (mechanical/electronic tuning systems) with a Butler matrix beam forming network. The Butler matrix uses fixed phase shifters arranged in a specific matrix configuration that provides instantaneous beam forming without the latency associated with variable phase shifters. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous tuning and provides continuous 360° coverage without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The Butler matrix is pre-configured with fixed phase shifters in a specific matrix arrangement that enables instantaneous beam formation. The phase relationships are predetermined and built into the network structure, allowing the system to switch between beams instantly without requiring real-time adjustment or tuning, thus eliminating latency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sequential scanning is used to achieve 360° coverage, then full coverage is provided, but simultaneous coverage is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 360° coverage space into multiple discrete beam directions. The Butler matrix network is configured to generate multiple simultaneous beams in different directions by utilizing its matrix structure with multiple input and output ports. Each port combination produces a specific beam direction, allowing the system to cover the entire 360° range with multiple concurrent beams rather than sequential scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The Butler matrix beam forming network serves multiple functions simultaneously: it can generate multiple beams in different directions at the same time, providing both wide 360° coverage and focused directional beams. This multi-functionality allows the antenna system to maintain continuous monitoring or communication in multiple directions simultaneously, achieving what sequential scanning cannot accomplish.
3Reliability
If Butler matrices are used instead of variable phase shifters, then simultaneous 360° coverage is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fixed phase shifters into a unified Butler matrix structure that performs the beam forming function for the entire antenna array. Instead of using separate variable phase shifters for each antenna element, the Butler matrix integrates all phase shifting functions into a single network that processes signals for all elements simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity while enabling simultaneous multi-directional coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A beam forming network system includes a first beam forming network having first and second ports, in which each of the first ports is operatively coupled to an antenna element; and a second beam forming network including third and fourth ports, in which each of the third ports is operatively coupled to one of the second ports using at least one of a phase shifter, attenuator, power divider, and/or hybrid coupler. A method of beam forming includes coupling each of the first ports associated with a first beam forming network operatively to one antenna element, and coupling each of the third ports associated with a second beam forming network operatively to one of the second ports associated with the first beam forming network using at least one of a phase shifter, attenuator, power divider, and/or hybrid coupler.