Passively Switched Patch Antenna Array for Compact Multi-Beam Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna array systems for transmitting high-gain beams in different directions require significant space and cannot be used in volume-constrained applications or scaled to arbitrary sizes, and they often lack compatibility with mono-pulse tracking.
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 compact transmission of multiple beams in different directions without electronic beam steering or active switching, and enabling mono-pulse tracking and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic beam steering or active switching with FET switches is used to transmit multiple high-gain beams in different directions, then beam direction control is improved, but device size and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is divided into four quadrants, with each quadrant having dedicated phase-tapered splitters and hybrid transformers. This segmentation allows independent beam formation in different directions while reducing the overall complexity of the switching network compared to a fully connected active switching system.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase-tapered splitters serve multiple functions: they divide input signals into multiple output signals, provide phase tapering for beam direction control, and enable mono-pulse tracking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing device size and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple phase-tapered splitters and FET switches are used to achieve multi-beam transmission, then beam direction versatility is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines signal division, phase tapering, and beam switching functions into integrated phase-tapered splitter networks. By merging these functions into unified structures rather than using separate components, the device achieves multi-beam versatility in a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses planar phase-tapered splitter networks arranged in a two-dimensional quadrant structure to achieve three-dimensional beam direction control. This dimensional approach allows multiple beams in different directions without requiring additional spatial volume.
3Ease of operation
If active switching with FET switches is used to change beam angles, then beam switching capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The phase-tapered splitters are designed to automatically provide the correct phase relationships for different beam directions through their inherent structural properties. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex active switching control circuits, reducing device complexity while maintaining beam switching capability.
4Power
If conventional antenna arrays are used for multi-beam transmission, then beam gain is maintained, but scalability to arbitrary sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The modular quadrant-based structure with replicated phase-tapered splitter networks allows the antenna array to be scaled to arbitrary sizes by simply adding more quadrants or antenna elements within quadrants, while maintaining the same beam gain characteristics through consistent phase tapering.
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, cost-effective transmission of multiple high-gain beams in different directions, reducing size, weight, and cost, while supporting mono-pulse tracking and arbitrary array sizes, 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, and provide the isolated sub-signals to one of the patch antenna elements
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 in the set of sub-signals
Implementation Method 3
multiple patch antenna elements configured to transmit multiple electromagnetic beams in multiple beam directions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An apparatus includes multiple patch antenna elements (202) configured to transmit multiple electromagnetic beams (106a-106b) in multiple beam directions. The apparatus also includes multiple inputs each configured to receive one of multiple input signals (302a-302b), where each input signal is associated with one of the electromagnetic beams. The apparatus further includes multiple phase-tapered splitters (304a-304b) 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 (308) 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.