Multilayer Self-Complementary Antenna Via Network

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multilayer self-complementary array antennas face integration challenges due to bulkiness and common mode current phenomena, which affect radiation efficiency and mechanical integration.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a network of metallized vias positioned at specific points between radiating elements and a ground plane to reduce or eliminate common mode currents, thereby improving radiation efficiency and mechanical integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a multilayer self-complementary array antenna structure is used to achieve broadband radiation, then the frequency bandwidth is improved, but common mode resonance phenomena occur that degrade radiation efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency bandwidthVSAvoidradiation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A dielectric layer is introduced as an intermediary between the radiating surface and the ground plane. This dielectric layer has specific electromagnetic properties that suppress common mode resonance while preserving the broadband radiation characteristics of the self-complementary structure. The dielectric acts as a mediator that filters out harmful common mode currents without affecting the desired radiation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention modifies the electromagnetic parameters of the antenna system by introducing a dielectric layer with specific permittivity and thickness. This parameter change alters the resonance characteristics of the structure, suppressing common mode resonance frequencies while maintaining the broadband operation of the self-complementary radiating elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If broadband array antenna solutions with brick or tile architecture are used, then the frequency coverage is improved, but the mechanical integration complexity increases due to protruding structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency coverageVSAvoidmechanical integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex mechanical protruding structures with a planar multilayer configuration. Instead of using three-dimensional brick or tile architectures that require complex mechanical assembly, the solution uses a flat multilayer structure where the radiating elements are integrated into a planar substrate with a dielectric layer and ground plane, significantly simplifying mechanical integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional planar antenna design to a three-dimensional multilayer structure by adding the dielectric layer and ground plane. This dimensional enhancement allows the antenna to achieve broadband performance through vertical electromagnetic field control while maintaining a compact, planar form factor that simplifies mechanical integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the radiating surface is separated from the ground plane by a dielectric layer to extend frequency band, then the bandwidth is improved, but common mode currents appear that affect performance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidcommon mode currents
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the potentially harmful common mode currents into a beneficial configuration by using them to establish a controlled resonance mode between the radiating surface and ground plane. The dielectric layer transforms what would be parasitic currents into a useful resonant cavity effect that enhances broadband radiation while suppressing unwanted common mode resonance through proper impedance matching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 effectively minimizes common mode resonance, enhancing the reflection coefficient stability across a wide frequency range and facilitating more compact, efficient antenna designs.

Implementation Method 1

a network of metallized vias passing through said dielectric layer between the radiating surface and the ground plane, each via being positioned facing a given point, called a particular point, of a radiating element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a radiating structure based on self-complementary patterns embedded in a coating of dielectric layers, making it possible to extend the frequency band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric resonance: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP3227960B1Self-complementary multilayer array antenna
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 THALES SA
  • EP3227960B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3227960B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3b
  • EP3227960B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to array antenna comprising a radiating structure made from an array of radiating elements (1) which consists of self-complementary patterns, said radiating surface being separated from a ground plane by a dielectric layer, said antenna comprising an array of metallic vias which extend through said dielectric layer between the radiating surface and the ground plane, each via being positioned opposite a given point (51, 52, 53, 54), referred to as a specific point, of a radiating element. The specific points can be positioned between two consecutive power supply points (11, 12, 13, 14) of a radiating element.