Multi-Frequency Array Antenna for Simultaneous Beam Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radars are limited to processing signals at a single frequency and cannot simultaneously radiate multiple beams at distinct frequencies, which restricts their detection field, range, and scanning capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An array antenna system with M radiating elements, each excited by a signal composed of N elementary sinusoidal waves of distinct frequencies, allowing simultaneous generation of N beams at respective frequencies, using waveform generators, amplifiers, phase shifters, and direct digital synthesizers to adjust phases and amplitudes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a radar processes signals at a single frequency, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection field width and scanning capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing into M independent channels, each handling a specific frequency component. Each channel processes one elementary signal independently, allowing parallel processing of multiple frequencies without increasing per-channel complexity. This segmentation enables wide detection field while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-frequency processing to multi-frequency processing by adding the frequency dimension. Instead of processing one signal at a time, the system simultaneously processes M elementary signals at M distinct frequencies, effectively utilizing the frequency domain as an additional dimension for signal differentiation and parallel processing.
2Productivity
If a radar radiates multiple beams at distinct frequencies simultaneously, then the scanning capability and range are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The excitation signal generation is segmented into M independent channels, each generating one elementary signal with its own waveform generator. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized independently and enables parallel generation of multiple frequency signals, improving scanning capability while distributing the complexity across manageable modular units rather than requiring a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each channel in the patent is designed as a universal module capable of generating elementary signals at any frequency within the operating range. The waveform generators, amplifiers, and phase shifters in each channel can be configured for different frequencies, allowing the same hardware architecture to handle multiple frequencies simultaneously, thus improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the radar uses M radiating elements excited by M excitation signals, then the frequency resolution and range are improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the energy consumption across M independent channels, each processing one frequency component. This segmentation allows for selective activation of channels based on operational requirements, enabling the system to consume only the necessary energy for the current task while maintaining the capability for high frequency resolution when all channels are activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts parameters such as the number of active channels, frequency selection, and power levels for each channel based on operational requirements. This parameter adjustment capability allows the radar to optimize the balance between frequency resolution and energy consumption, using full resolution only when necessary and reducing power consumption during routine operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Array antenna (A) comprising an array of radiating elements (Em) composed of M radiating elements, M being an integer greater than 1, each comprising an excitation port (Pm), the array antenna (A) comprising a generator (G1) configured and coupled to the M excitation ports so as to permit the radiating elements (Em) to be excited simultaneously at the M excitation ports (Pm) by M respective excitation signals, each of the M excitation signals being the sum of N elementary signals of respective sinusoidal carriers of distinct respective frequencies, N being an integer greater than 1, each having an adjustable phase so that the array antenna (A) simultaneously radiates N beams at the respective frequencies.