Phased Array Antenna Coupling Radiating Elements to Multiple Controllable Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phased array antennas face limitations in implementation flexibility and controllability due to the high cost and power consumption of existing technologies, which restrict their application to niche markets, especially in scenarios requiring continuous re-alignment for moving communication partners.
Innovation Solution
A phased array antenna design where each radiating element is coupled to at least two controllable elements, allowing for flexible phase and amplitude settings, enabling independent placement and optimization of radiating elements, and using steerable elements with phase shifters to adjust coupling, thereby simplifying controllability and improving beam steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional phased array antennas use individually controlled radiating elements with complex phase shifters, then beam steering capability and directivity are improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple controllable elements (phase shifters) to feed a single radiating element, merging their contributions to achieve beam steering. This reduces the total number of independently controlled radiating elements needed, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining beam steering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controllable elements serve multiple functions: they act as phase shifters for beam steering, amplitude controllers for gain adjustment, and can be selectively activated to form different radiation patterns. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Reliability
If phased array antennas use many individually controlled radiating elements, then directivity and signal-to-noise ratio are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent activates only the necessary number of controllable elements and radiating elements required to achieve the desired beam direction and gain, rather than operating all elements simultaneously. This partial action reduces power consumption while maintaining adequate signal-to-noise ratio through coherent addition of the active elements' contributions.
3Ease of operation
If radiating elements are placed in fixed equidistant positions, then phase control is simplified, but implementation flexibility and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic configuration where controllable elements can be selectively activated or deactivated, and their coupling to radiating elements can be adjusted. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to accommodate different radiating element positions and configurations while maintaining phase control through electronic adjustment of the controllable elements.
4Manufacturing precision
If manufacturing tolerances and parameter variations occur in traditional phased arrays, then production costs increase and performance consistency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates measurement of actual phase and amplitude contributions from each controllable element to radiating element, and uses this feedback information to adjust the control settings. This compensates for manufacturing tolerances and parameter variations, ensuring consistent performance across different production units without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
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
This design enhances implementation flexibility, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves gain and directivity, allowing for more efficient beam steering and polarization control, while minimizing the impact of manufacturing tolerances and parameter variations.
Implementation Method 1
a feed structure adapted to guide an electromagnetic wave, a plurality of controllable elements coupled to the feed structure
Implementation Method 2
using steerable elements with phase shifters to adjust coupling, thereby simplifying controllability and improving beam steering
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of radiating elements, wherein each of the radiating elements is coupled to at least two of the plurality of controllable elements
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments provide a phased array antenna comprising a feed structure adapted to guide an electromagnetic wave, a plurality of controllable elements coupled to the feed structure and a plurality of radiating elements, wherein each of the radiating elements is coupled to at least two of the plurality of controllable elements.