Orthogonal Phased Array Antenna Modules for Grating Lobe Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronically scanned antennas face challenges in achieving close radiating element spacing due to increased complexity and packaging requirements, leading to degraded beam steering performance and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
A dual beam electronically scanned phased array antenna architecture with orthogonally connected antenna modules, chip carriers, and signal distribution bridges allows for radiating elements to be spaced at half-wavelength or less, enabling efficient signal distribution and beam steering without introducing grating lobes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If radiating elements are spaced closer than half-wavelength to reduce antenna size, then compactness is improved, but grating lobes are introduced degrading beam steering performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar 2D array arrangement to a 3D volumetric arrangement using multiple layers separated by dielectric substrates. Radiating elements are distributed across different z-heights, enabling half-wavelength or greater spacing while maintaining compact overall antenna volume through vertical stacking rather than horizontal expansion.
2Reliability
If radiating elements are spaced at half-wavelength or greater to maintain beam steering performance, then scanning accuracy is improved, but antenna size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (vertical stacking) to accommodate half-wavelength spacing between radiating elements while keeping the antenna's footprint compact. Multiple layers of radiating elements are separated by dielectric substrates in the z-direction, transforming a 2D area problem into a 3D volume solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested modular architecture where complete antenna modules (containing radiating elements, feed networks, and control electronics) are stacked vertically. Each module is self-contained and can be independently manufactured, then assembled into the final phased array, enabling scalable compact designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex RF distribution networks are used to support wider scanning angles, then scanning capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the phased array into multiple independent modules, each with its own integrated RF distribution network. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture, as modules can be independently controlled and combined to achieve wide scanning angles without requiring a single complex distributed network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal interface structures and standardized module designs that can be configured for different scanning requirements. The same basic module architecture supports various scanning angles and frequencies through electronic beamforming control, eliminating the need for custom RF distribution networks for each application.
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
This architecture enables high-frequency, wide-scanning angle capabilities up to 80° while maintaining compactness and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs by allowing for tighter packing of radiating elements.
Implementation Method 1
Each module includes a plurality of radiating elements that are orthogonally oriented with respect to the beam steering circuits
Implementation Method 2
dual beam electronically scanned phased array antenna architecture
Data Source
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AI summary
A dual beam electronically scanned phased array antenna architecture is provided. The architecture includes a plurality of antenna modules substantially orthogonally connected to a signal distribution board. Each module includes a radiator board substantially orthogonally connected to a first end of a support mandrel. Each radiator board includes a plurality of radio frequency (RF) radiating elements. Each module additionally includes pair of chip carriers mounted to opposing sides of the respective mandrel and interconnected to the respective radiator board. Furthermore, each module includes signal transfer board formed to fit around a second end of the mandrel such that the signal transfer board is compressed between the mandrel the signal distribution board. Each module further includes a pair of signal distribution bridges mounted to the opposing sides of the mandrel. Each signal distribution bridge interconnects the respective chip carriers with the signal transfer board and distributes digital, DC and/or RF signals received from the signal transfer board to a plurality of beam scanning circuits included in the respective chip carrier. The orthogonal relationship between the RF radiating elements and the beam scanning circuits allow the modules to be connected to the signal distribution board in close proximity to each other such that the RF radiating elements of adjacent modules have a spacing of one-half wavelength or less. Therefore, a high frequency, dual beam electronically scanned phased array antenna can be constructed that is capable of having scanning angles of 60° or greater. Therefore, a high frequency, dual beam'electronically scanned phased array antenna can be constructed that is capable of having very wide scanning angles of without introducing grating lobes.