Passive Electronically Scanned Array Using 1D Bootlace Lenses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased array antenna systems face challenges in real-time phase distribution control, high loss, power distribution, and heat management, particularly in mechanical and space feed approaches, which complicate the fabrication and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A passive electronically scanned array system utilizing 1D bootlace lenses and orthogonal switch networks, including low loss absorptive, PIN diode, MEMS, and ferrite-based RF switches, to achieve real-time beam scanning with minimized losses and heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If phase shifters are used for each antenna element to control phase distribution, then real-time beam scanning is achieved, but loss, power distribution complexity, and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the phase shifters from the traditional corporate feed network, replacing them with a lens-based focusing system. This eliminates the source of signal loss associated with phase shifters while maintaining the ability to control phase distribution through the lens geometry and switching network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic phase shifting mechanism with a passive optical-like lens system. Instead of using active electronic components (phase shifters) that introduce loss, the system uses a lens with specific geometric properties to focus and steer beams, substituting electronic control with a more passive optical approach.
2Loss of energy
If amplifiers are added to overcome loss, then signal strength is improved, but power distribution complexity and heat management requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of signal loss into a benefit by using the lens's focusing property to naturally concentrate energy where needed. The lens geometry is designed to provide the necessary phase correction and energy concentration without requiring active amplification, thereby avoiding the complexity of power distribution systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a 3D lens is used for beam steering, then all-direction scanning is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex 3D lens problem into multiple simpler 1D lens arrays. Each 1D lens array handles beam steering in one dimension, and by combining multiple such arrays, the system achieves 2D or 3D beam steering capability. This segmentation reduces the complexity of individual lens elements while maintaining overall steering versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from attempting to create a single complex 3D lens to using multiple 1D lens arrays arranged in different dimensions. This dimensional decomposition allows the system to achieve volumetric beam steering by combining the capabilities of simpler, lower-dimensional components.
4Device complexity
If mechanical scanning is used instead of electronic scanning, then device complexity is reduced, but scanning speed and agility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic beam steering system using electronic switching networks that can rapidly reconfigure the active lens elements. This allows the beam to be steered electronically at high speeds without mechanical movement, achieving both structural simplicity and scanning agility through time-varying electrical control.
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 efficient, reliable, and cost-effective real-time beam scanning with reduced losses and heat management, suitable for applications like SatCom on the Move and non-geosynchronous satellite tracking.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of M bootlace lenses parallel to each other, a second bootlace lens orthogonal to said plurality of the first plurality of M bootlace lenses
Implementation Method 2
M 1×N RF switches, each of said M switches is connected to and scan a separate one of said first plurality of said M bootlace lenses
Data Source
AI summary
A passive electronically scanned array in a number of phases. Initially, the array system configuration is determined followed by sizing the array, designing, building, and testing a 1D lens, and designing, building, and testing a 1×N switch network. This is followed by building and testing the array with associated 1D lenses, and integrating and testing switch networks connected to each lens in array. This is followed by design, build, test, and integration of the orthogonal switch matrix that connects to all of the lens switch matrixes, and system integration.