Multibeam Source Power Distribution via Radial Coupling Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-beam antenna systems face challenges in efficiently interleaving sub-networks due to the complexity of routing waveguides caused by two-dimensional arrays and overlapping sub-arrays, leading to restrictive manufacturing and calibration limitations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-beam source design featuring a power supply and bias stage with a distribution stage using parallel waveguides and radial coupling slots, allowing for simplified interleaving of sub-networks by coupling the fundamental mode of central and peripheral waveguides, eliminating the need for successive 2:2 couplers and facilitating source coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional BFN with successive 2:2 couplers is used, then sub-networks can be interconnected, but the waveguide routing becomes complex and manufacturing/calibration becomes restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The BFN is segmented into multiple independent functional blocks, each handling a specific sub-network. This segmentation allows each block to be manufactured and calibrated independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining the ability to interconnect multiple sub-networks through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar two-dimensional array configuration to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. By arranging waveguide layers in multiple levels and using vertical interconnections, the design reduces the complexity of waveguide routing on any single layer while maintaining all necessary connections between sub-networks.
2Reliability
If two-dimensional array with overlapping sub-arrays is used, then beam formation capability is improved, but waveguide routing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the routing difficulty by adding a vertical dimension to the waveguide architecture. Multiple waveguide layers are stacked vertically, with each layer handling connections for specific sub-networks. This three-dimensional arrangement allows overlapping sub-arrays to be connected without the waveguides crossing or interfering with each other on the same plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate coupling structures and transition sections between waveguide layers that act as mediators. These intermediate elements facilitate the connection between overlapping sub-arrays by providing controlled impedance transitions and proper phase matching, thereby maintaining beam formation capability while simplifying the overall routing architecture.
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
This design simplifies the interleaving of sub-networks, enhances manufacturing and calibration capabilities, and improves radioelectric characteristics by optimizing waveguide connections and power distribution, thereby increasing system capacity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the waveguides are connected by means of coupling slots arranged radially around the waveguide so as to couple the fundamental mode of the central guide and the fundamental mode of the peripheral guide
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a multibeam source for a multibeam antenna, the source comprising a plurality of identical basic sources, such that the basic sources are combined into identical subnetworks around a central basic source, each subnetwork forming a beam, and such that two adjacent subnetworks comprise at least one common basic source, wherein the source includes: a supply and polarization stage (10) for supplying power to the central basic sources and polarizing the electromagnetic field at the accesses of the central basic sources; and a stage (20) for distributing the power from the central basic sources among the basic sources of the corresponding subnetwork and those common to a plurality of subnetworks according to a predetermined amplitude law.