Dual-Polarization Patch Antenna Feed Layout for Cross-Polar Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual polarization patch antennas experience degraded cross polarization isolation due to mutual coupling of closely spaced antennas, which affects the concurrent radiation of horizontally and vertically polarized signals, particularly in high-gain array and holographic metasurface antennas.
Innovation Solution
A dual polarization patch antenna design with vertically spaced terminals for vertically polarized signals and a horizontally spaced terminal for horizontally polarized signals, utilizing hybrid couplers and adjustable impedance elements to achieve 180-degree phase shifts, and switchable elements to control radiation patterns, reducing mutual coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dual polarization patch antennas are physically grouped closely together to shape and steer beams, then beam shaping and steering capability is improved, but cross polarization isolation is degraded due to mutual coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element is segmented into two separate feed terminals (first and second terminals) that are vertically spaced apart on the patch structure. This segmentation allows independent excitation of horizontal and vertical polarization components, enabling beam shaping and steering while reducing mutual coupling between polarizations through the vertical spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension for terminal spacing on the patch antenna surface. By vertically spacing the first and second terminals apart along the patch length, the design adds a dimensional separation that reduces mutual coupling between horizontally and vertically polarized signals while maintaining the ability to shape and steer beams through phased array control.
2Power
If patch antennas are placed in close physical proximity for array configurations, then array gain and beam control are improved, but mutual coupling between antennas increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each antenna element in the array is segmented with vertically spaced terminals, allowing independent polarization control. This segmentation reduces mutual coupling between adjacent antennas by separating the current paths for horizontal and vertical polarizations, enabling closer antenna spacing while maintaining array gain and reducing harmful mutual coupling effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different local properties to different regions of the patch antenna. The first terminal region is optimized for horizontal polarization excitation while the second terminal region is optimized for vertical polarization excitation. This local quality differentiation reduces inter-polarization coupling and allows antennas to be placed closer together in array configurations.
3Device complexity
If a single patch antenna radiates both horizontal and vertical polarized signals, then device complexity is reduced, but cross polarization isolation is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The single patch antenna is segmented with two vertically spaced terminals, allowing it to radiate both horizontal and vertical polarized signals concurrently. The vertical spacing between terminals creates sufficient isolation between the two polarization modes, achieving cross polarization isolation without requiring multiple separate antennas or complex feeding networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the single patch antenna universal by enabling it to radiate both horizontal and vertical polarizations from a single structure. The vertically spaced terminals provide multi-functionality, allowing the antenna to serve dual polarization purposes while maintaining acceptable cross polarization isolation through the geometric separation of the terminals.
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
Improves cross polarization isolation by concurrently radiating horizontally and vertically polarized signals with reduced mutual coupling, enhancing performance and reducing interference in array and holographic metasurface antennas.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing hybrid couplers and adjustable impedance elements to achieve 180-degree phase shifts
Implementation Method 2
concurrently radiating horizontally and vertically polarized signals
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~1F
AI summary
A switchable dual polarization patch antenna with improved cross polarization isolation to concurrently radiate horizontally polarized signals and vertically polarized signals. A planar conductor is arranged with a first terminal and a second terminal that are vertically spaced on a portion of the planar conductor to radiate a component of a vertically polarized signal with zero degrees of phase shift from one of the two terminals and radiate another component of the vertically polarized signal having a 180 degrees of phase shift from the other of the two terminals. A hybrid coupler can provide the 180 degrees of phase shift. A horizontally polarized signal is radiated from a third terminal that is horizontally spaced on another portion of the planar conductor and coupled to a horizontally polarized signal source. The direction of the 180 phase shift for the first and second components of the vertically polarized signal may be selected. Also, a direction for a phase shift for the horizontally polarized signal may be selectable.