Omni-directional Antenna Array with Tuned Rings for Wideband Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna arrays suffer from significant degradation in gain uniformity as the frequency of operation moves away from the designed frequency range, limiting the frequency range over which they maintain a uniform omnidirectional gain.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple antenna rings, each tuned to operate at different frequencies within the desired range, ensures a uniform omnidirectional gain across a wider frequency spectrum by activating specific rings based on the current frequency of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single antenna ring is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the gain uniformity degrades as frequency moves away from the designed frequency range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple antenna rings (first antenna ring and second antenna ring), each tuned to different frequency ranges. This segmentation allows each ring to be optimized for specific frequencies while collectively covering a broader bandwidth, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and consistent gain uniformity across frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by tuning different antenna rings to different frequencies. The first antenna ring is tuned to a first frequency and the second antenna ring is tuned to a second frequency, allowing the system to maintain optimal gain uniformity across a wider frequency spectrum by switching or combining rings based on operating frequency.
2Reliability
If multiple antenna rings are used, then the gain uniformity is improved across wide frequency range, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal antenna system where multiple antenna rings serve different frequency ranges but collectively provide omnidirectional radiation patterns. Each ring is multi-functional, capable of operating at its tuned frequency while contributing to the overall wideband performance, thus justifying the increased complexity through enhanced versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the frequency dimension by adding multiple antenna rings tuned to different frequencies. This dimensional expansion from a single-frequency ring to multi-frequency rings enables the system to maintain gain uniformity across a broader spectrum, transforming the trade-off by operating in an additional frequency dimension.
3Reliability
If antenna spacing is optimized for a specific frequency, then the gain uniformity is improved at that frequency, but the frequency range over which uniformity is maintained is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency coverage by creating multiple antenna rings, each optimized for specific frequency ranges through appropriate spacing. The first antenna ring has spacing optimized for a first frequency while the second antenna ring has spacing optimized for a second frequency, allowing each segment to excel at its target frequency while collectively covering a broad spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spacing parameter for different antenna rings to match different frequencies. By tuning the spacing of the first antenna ring to a first frequency and the spacing of the second antenna ring to a second frequency, the system adapts its physical parameters to maintain optimal performance across varying frequencies.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, an antenna array includes at least first and second antenna rings. The antennas in the first antenna ring are each spaced apart by approximately a first distance from a center of the first antenna ring. And the second antenna rings is approximately concentric and coplanar with the first antenna ring, and each antenna of the second antenna ring is spaced approximately a second distance from the center. For example, the antennas of the first antenna ring are spaced apart by half of a first wavelength corresponding to a first frequency of a frequency range over which the antenna array is designed to operate, and the antennas of the second antenna ring are spaced apart by half of a second wavelength corresponding to a second frequency of the frequency range.