Nested Loop Antenna for Low-Frequency Ultra-Wideband Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultra-wideband antennas operating at very low frequencies require large physical dimensions, making them visually conspicuous and difficult to implement, especially at frequencies below the ultra high frequency band, where electromagnetic wavelengths are very large.
Innovation Solution
An antenna system comprising a ground plane substrate and two sets of loop conductors connected to a feed network and the ground plane, with a smaller scaled version of the antenna system designed to operate at higher frequencies, allowing for efficient frequency-dependent excitation and reduced overall height through a recessed configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional antennas are used at very low frequencies, then they can operate at the required frequency, but they become physically very large (30-40 feet) and visually conspicuous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested antenna configuration where a second antenna is placed inside or near the first antenna structure. The first antenna includes a ground plane and radiating elements, while the second antenna is positioned within the spatial envelope of the first, allowing both antennas to operate at different frequency bands simultaneously without requiring separate large physical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional planar antenna layouts to a three-dimensional configuration by positioning the second antenna at a different vertical height (spaced above the ground plane) and potentially different horizontal plane. This dimensional arrangement allows compact coexistence of antennas designed for different frequency ranges, solving the problem of large physical dimensions at low frequencies
2Length of stationary object
If antenna size is reduced to be electrically-small, then the physical dimension is reduced, but radiation efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna structures into a unified system where the first antenna (optimized for low frequencies) and second antenna (optimized for higher frequencies) share common structural elements such as the ground plane and feeding mechanism. This merged configuration allows both antennas to achieve acceptable radiation efficiency within a compact overall form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional antenna system where the same physical structure serves multiple frequency bands. The first antenna structure with its ground plane and radiating elements can operate at very low frequencies, while the second antenna integrated into the same system operates at higher frequencies, making the overall system universally applicable across a wide frequency range without sacrificing efficiency
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 antenna system achieves efficient operation across a wide frequency range with reduced physical size, maintaining acceptable radiation patterns and impedance matching, while minimizing visual presence.
Implementation Method 1
ultra-wideband antennas are needed to operate at very low frequencies... the electromagnetic wavelength is very large
Implementation Method 2
a first antenna and a second antenna... allowing for efficient frequency-dependent excitation
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system that includes a ground plane substrate, a first antenna, and a second antenna is provided. The first antenna includes a first loop conductor electrically connected to a feed network and to the ground plane substrate, a second loop conductor electrically connected to the feed network and to the ground plane substrate, and a first conductor mounted to and electrically connected to a first edge of the first loop conductor and to a second edge of the second loop conductor. The second antenna includes a third loop conductor electrically connected to the feed network and to the first conductor, a fourth loop conductor electrically connected to the feed network and to the first conductor, and a second conductor mounted to and electrically connected to a third edge of the third loop conductor and to a fourth edge of the fourth loop conductor.