Multi-Feed Patch Antenna for Multi-Band GNSS Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patch antennas have limited frequency band capabilities, restricting communication with multiple global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) constellations and are physically constrained, limiting their number in an array due to size considerations.
Innovation Solution
A patch antenna design featuring a dielectric substrate with a radiating patch and ground plane, electromagnetically coupled with multiple feed probes to generate a circularly polarized radiation pattern, allowing for broader frequency band operation and compact size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional patch antenna design is used, then the antenna can communicate with a specific GNSS satellite constellation, but the frequency band is too narrow to communicate with other GNSS satellite constellations
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna uses multiple radiating patches segmented into different groups, where each group is fed by dedicated feed probes. The first group of radiating patches operates at a first frequency band for communicating with a first GNSS satellite constellation, while the second group operates at a second frequency band for communicating with a second GNSS satellite constellation. This segmentation enables the antenna to cover multiple frequency bands while maintaining reliable communication with different satellite constellations.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting operation at multiple frequency bands. The shared ground plane and substrate provide a universal platform that supports both the first and second frequency bands, while the multiple radiating patch groups enable the antenna to communicate with different GNSS satellite constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, etc.), making it a multi-functional antenna system.
2Volume of moving object
If the antenna size is reduced to fit more antennas in an array, then the physical space requirement decreases, but the manufacturing precision and electromagnetic coupling become more difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The feed probes extend through the thickness of the substrate from the ground plane side to the radiating patch side, utilizing the third dimension (depth) rather than only planar positioning. This vertical arrangement allows compact in-array integration while the precise positioning of feed probes relative to radiating patches (with spacing of 0.05 to 0.2 times the wavelength) maintains electromagnetic coupling efficiency without requiring excessive planar space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple feed probes are used to expand frequency band coverage, then the antenna can communicate with multiple GNSS constellations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple radiating patches are combined into groups that share common feed probes. The first group of radiating patches is fed by first feed probes for the first frequency band, while the second group is fed by second feed probes for the second frequency band. This merging approach reduces the total number of independent feed elements compared to having individually fed patches, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining multi-frequency band coverage capability.
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
Enables communication with multiple GNSS constellations across different frequency bands and reduces physical size, allowing for a higher density of antennas in an array.
Implementation Method 1
at least three feed probes electromagnetically coupled to the radiating patch such that the patch antenna is configured to generate a circularly polarized radiation pattern
Implementation Method 2
The body of the substrate has a dielectric constant that is greater than the dielectric constant of air
Data Source
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AI summary
A patch antenna (18) includes a dielectric substrate (32) having a body (38) that extends a thickness (T) from a first side (40) to a second side (42) that is opposite the first side. The body of the substrate has a perimeter (50) that is defined by at least one side wall (44) that extends along the thickness of the substrate from the first side to the second side. The body of the substrate has a dielectric constant that is greater than air. The patch antenna also includes a radiating patch (34) positioned on the first side of the body of the substrate, a ground plane (16) positioned on the second side of the body of the substrate, and at least three feed probes (36) electromagnetically coupled to the radiating patch such that the patch antenna is configured to generate a circularly polarized radiation pattern. The feed probes are positioned relative to the body of the substrate such that adjacent feed probes are spaced apart from each other along the body. The feed probes are configured to feed the radiating patch at at least three points with approximately equal power amplitude. In an alternate embodiment, the body of the substrate includes thru openings (52) that extend through the thickness of the body and the radiating patch includes holes (54) that are aligned with corresponding thru openings of the body of the substrate. In this embodiment, each feed probe includes a conductive path (58) that extends within a corresponding thru opening of the body of the substrate from the second side of the body to the first side of the body, each conductive path being exposed along the first side of the body via the holes of the radiating patch.