Non-Uniform Antenna Arrays for Unambiguous Angle Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Uniform linear antenna arrays face challenges in handling high frequency signals due to spacing requirements that are larger than the maximum allowed, leading to ambiguities in angle of arrival estimation and physical constraints, making them inefficient for applications requiring wider spacing and fewer elements.
Innovation Solution
Designing antenna arrays with non-uniform spacing between elements, allowing for wider spacing (multiple wavelength spacing) while preserving unambiguous phase range, enabling fewer elements and smaller array lengths, and incorporating Rydberg sensors for precise angle of arrival estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If uniform linear antenna arrays use λ/2 spacing to eliminate grating lobes, then angle of arrival estimation is unambiguous, but the array length becomes too large for high frequency applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies non-uniform spacing between antenna elements, breaking the symmetry of traditional uniform arrays. This asymmetric configuration allows elements to be spaced at distances greater than λ/2 while maintaining unambiguous angle of arrival estimation through mathematical processing of the non-uniform phase differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spacing parameter from the conventional fixed λ/2 value to variable non-uniform spacing. By adjusting the spacing parameters of individual elements, the array achieves compact size while preserving measurement accuracy through the non-uniform geometric configuration.
2Device complexity
If antenna elements are spaced wider than λ/2 to reduce element count, then device complexity decreases, but grating lobes cause ambiguities in angle of arrival
Solution Approach 1:
The non-uniform spacing creates asymmetric phase difference patterns that are mathematically processed to eliminate grating lobe ambiguities. The asymmetric configuration allows fewer elements by distributing them non-uniformly, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through specialized signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the spacing parameters from uniform to non-uniform values, enabling wider effective spacing between elements. This parameter change reduces the number of elements needed while the mathematical processing of non-uniform phase differences maintains angle of arrival estimation accuracy.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform spacing is used to simplify design and manufacturing, then ease of manufacture increases, but array length must be large to avoid grating lobes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces non-uniform spacing that, while less symmetric than uniform arrays, follows systematic patterns that simplify manufacturing. The asymmetric configuration allows compact array length by positioning elements at specific non-uniform intervals, reducing the overall physical footprint while maintaining ease of manufacture through regularized placement patterns.
4Length of stationary object
If non-uniform spacing is used to reduce array length, then compactness increases, but manufacturing and testing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements non-uniform spacing parameters that are systematically determined rather than randomly varied. This controlled parameter change achieves compact array length while the systematic nature of the non-uniform spacing maintains manufacturing and testing feasibility through predictable element positions and standardized mounting procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus for processing a signal using a non-uniform antenna array are disclosed. In one aspect, a receiver apparatus for processing high frequency signals is provided. The receiver apparatus may comprise an antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements. The plurality of antenna elements may include a first antenna element and a remainder of the plurality of antenna elements. The remainder of the plurality of antenna elements may be uniformly spaced apart from one another by a first distance and arranged in a substantially linear orientation. The remainder of the plurality of antenna elements may include a second antenna element spaced apart from the first antenna element by a second distance. The second distance may be different than the first distance.