Passively Switched Patch Antenna Array for Multi-Beam Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna array systems for radar and communication require significant space and cannot be used in volume-constrained applications or scaled to arbitrary sizes, and they often rely on electronic beam steering or active switching, which limits their use in mono-pulse tracking applications.
Innovation Solution
A multi-beam passively-switched patch antenna array using phase-tapered splitters and 90° hybrid transformers to divide and isolate input signals, allowing for the transmission of multiple beams in different directions without the need for electronic beam steering or active switching, and can be scaled to arbitrary sizes and used in mono-pulse tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic beam steering or active switching with FET switches is used, then beam direction control is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active electronic switching mechanisms (FET switches) with a passive mechanical-like structure using phase-tapered splitters and 90° hybrid transformers. The beam switching is achieved through passive signal distribution and phase manipulation rather than active electronic switching, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining beam direction control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phase-tapered splitters and 90° hybrid transformers as intermediary components between the signal source and antenna elements. These intermediaries passively distribute and phase-shift signals to achieve beam steering without requiring direct active switching between antenna elements, simplifying the overall system architecture
2Productivity
If antenna arrays are scaled to arbitrary sizes, then coverage and gain are improved, but volume constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar two-dimensional antenna array configuration to a three-dimensional stacked configuration with multiple layers. This vertical dimensionality change allows the antenna array to achieve arbitrary scaling and high gain while maintaining a compact footprint that respects volume constraints, as the array expands upward rather than outward in the horizontal plane
3Ease of operation
If active switching with FET switches is used, then beam switching is achieved, but reliability decreases due to switching failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates active electronic switching components (FET switches) that are prone to failure and replacement with a passive signal distribution network using phase-tapered splitters and 90° hybrid transformers. This passive architecture has no moving parts or active switching elements, significantly improving reliability while maintaining the ability to switch between different beam directions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service beam switching mechanism where the phase-tapered splitters and hybrid transformers automatically direct signals to the appropriate antenna elements based on the input signal path. The system self-regulates beam switching through passive phase manipulation without requiring external control signals or active switching decisions, thereby eliminating switching failures
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
The solution enables compact, high-gain beam transmission in multiple directions, reducing size, weight, and cost, while supporting mono-pulse tracking and scalable designs, suitable for various applications including secure communications and automotive radar.
Implementation Method 1
multiple 90° hybrid transformers each configured to receive sub-signals associated with different ones of the input signals, isolate the received sub-signals from each other
Implementation Method 2
multiple phase-tapered splitters each configured to receive one of the input signals, divide the received input signal into a set of sub-signals, and provide a phase taper that adjusts phases of at least some of the sub-signals
Implementation Method 3
multiple patch antenna elements configured to transmit multiple electromagnetic beams in multiple beam directions
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes multiple patch antenna elements configured to transmit multiple electromagnetic beams in multiple beam directions. The apparatus also includes multiple inputs each configured to receive one of multiple input signals, where each input signal is associated with one of the electromagnetic beams. The apparatus further includes multiple phase-tapered splitters each configured to receive one of the input signals, divide the received input signal into a set of sub-signals, and provide a phase taper that adjusts phases of at least some of the sub-signals in the set of sub-signals. Different phase tapers are associated with different ones of the beam directions. In addition, the apparatus includes multiple 90° hybrid transformers each configured to receive sub-signals associated with different ones of the input signals, isolate the received sub-signals from each other, and provide the isolated sub-signals to one of the patch antenna elements.