Orthogonal Linear Transmit Receive Array Radar Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radar systems with 2D filled arrays are costly, heavy, and have a large footprint, limiting their integration on platforms like helicopters, where they must coexist with other RF systems and operate in adverse weather conditions, while also facing challenges in achieving high resolution and reliability.
Innovation Solution
An orthogonal transmit/receive antenna system with linear phased arrays, where the transmit and receive apertures are oriented orthogonally, allowing for a smaller, lighter design that achieves high resolution through the cross-product of their beams, reducing clutter and sidelobe levels, and enabling efficient integration on platforms with other RF systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional 2D filled arrays are used, then high resolution imaging is achieved, but cost, weight, and footprint increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conventional 2D filled array into two separate orthogonal linear arrays: a transmit array and a receive array. This segmentation allows each array to be optimized independently and reduces the total number of elements required, thereby reducing weight while maintaining imaging resolution through the cross-product beam formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional planar 2D array configuration to an orthogonal 3D configuration where the transmit and receive arrays are positioned perpendicular to each other. This dimensional change enables the system to achieve high-resolution imaging with fewer elements by utilizing the cross-product of the two orthogonal beam patterns.
2Measurement precision
If conventional 2D filled arrays are used, then high resolution imaging is achieved, but device complexity and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the single complex 2D array into two simpler orthogonal linear arrays, the patent reduces device complexity. Each linear array can be independently designed, manufactured, and tested, simplifying the overall system integration while achieving the same imaging resolution through orthogonal beam cross-product processing.
3Measurement precision
If conventional 2D filled arrays are used, then high resolution imaging is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conventional 2D array into two orthogonal linear arrays, reducing the total number of expensive array elements required. This segmentation lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining imaging resolution through the orthogonal cross-product beam formation technique.
Solution Approach 2:
By using simpler linear array configurations instead of complex 2D filled arrays, the patent employs more cost-effective antenna elements and support structures, reducing overall system manufacturing cost while achieving equivalent or superior imaging performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A radar system having orthogonal antenna apertures is disclosed. The invention further relates to an antenna system wherein the orthogonal apertures comprise at least one transmit aperture and at least one receive aperture. The cross-product of the transmit and receive apertures provides a narrow spot beam and resulting high resolution image. An embodiment of the invention discloses orthogonal linear arrays, comprising at least one electronically scanned transmit linear array and at least one electronically scanned receive linear array. The design of this orthogonal linear array system produces comparable performance, clutter and sidelobe structure at a fraction of the cost of conventional 2D filled array antenna systems.