Circularly Polarized Array Antenna With Phase-Tuned mmWave Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current millimeter-wave communication antenna systems face challenges in efficiently steering radiation patterns without physical movement and achieving circular polarization over the 24 GHz to 52 GHz frequency band.
Innovation Solution
A circularly polarized array antenna system is developed, comprising a ground plane and multiple circularly polarized antennas with column substrates and isolated magnetic dipole elements, electrically coupled to a phase shifter circuit, allowing for phase adjustments and electromagnetic coupling with parasitic elements to tune frequencies and steer radiation patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a phase shifter circuit is used to steer radiation patterns, then the radiation pattern can be controlled electronically without physical movement, but the device complexity increases due to additional circuit components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical movement of antenna elements with electronic phase shifting using phase shifter circuits. Instead of mechanically moving antennas to change radiation patterns, the system uses electronic phase control to achieve the same effect, eliminating mechanical complexity while enabling pattern steering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls radiation patterns by changing the phase parameter of RF signals through phase shifter circuits. By adjusting phase values electronically, the system modifies the radiation pattern characteristics without physical movement, achieving control through parameter modification rather than structural change.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple isolated magnetic dipole elements are used on different faces of column substrates, then circular polarization is achieved over 24 GHz to 52 GHz, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple column substrates, each containing isolated magnetic dipole elements on different faces. This segmentation allows each substrate to contribute to circular polarization independently, achieving the desired polarization capability through distributed modular elements rather than a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional space by placing magnetic dipole elements on different faces of column substrates. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions enables circular polarization over the required frequency band by exploiting the geometric configuration of elements in 3D space rather than limiting them to a single plane.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna system is designed for wide frequency band coverage from 24 GHz to 52 GHz, then the adaptability improves, but maintaining consistent performance across the band becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the antenna system with universal characteristics by using phase shifter circuits and magnetic dipole elements that function effectively across the entire 24 GHz to 52 GHz frequency band. The same structural elements and control mechanisms maintain performance consistency throughout the wide band, achieving multi-functionality without requiring frequency-specific components.
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 system achieves circularly polarized radiation patterns and frequency tuning, enabling efficient steering of radiation patterns over the millimeter-wave frequency band without physical antenna movement, enhancing communication capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The phase shifter circuit can alter a phase of a RF signal received from a RF source such that a phase of the RF signal measured at an output of the RF phase shifter circuit is different relative to a phase of the RF signal measured at an input of the RF phase shifter circuit
Implementation Method 2
Each of the circularly polarized antennas further includes a plurality of isolated magnetic dipole elements. Each of the isolated magnetic dipole elements is disposed on a different face of the column substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A circularly polarized array antenna is provided. The circularly polarized array antenna includes a ground plane and a plurality of circularly polarized antennas. Each of the circularly polarized antennas is configured to communicate over a frequency band ranging from 24 gigahertz (GHz) to 52 GHz. Each of the circularly polarized antennas includes a column substrate coupled to the ground plane. The column substrate includes a plurality of faces. Each of the circularly polarized antennas further includes a plurality of isolated magnetic dipole elements. Each of the isolated magnetic dipole elements is disposed on a different face of the column substrate.