Active Phased Array Beam Search for Wider Omnidirectional Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing public communication networks face challenges in supporting omnidirectional communication for multiple manned/unmanned aerial vehicles due to limitations in existing phased array antennas, which struggle with beam steering and increased size/weight when used with mechanical driving antennas, and are not efficient for satellite communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A beam search method using a single tile-type active phased array antenna with a monopulse algorithm that calculates beam coefficients and summation coefficients to achieve an expanded beamwidth, allowing for precise omnidirectional beam search and 360-degree coverage using a polygonal phased array antenna structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical driving antenna is used to achieve directional communication, then the beam direction can be controlled, but the size and weight of the mount increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical driving antenna system with an electronic beam steering system using phased array technology. The beam direction is controlled by adjusting the phase and amplitude of signals fed to each antenna element through electronic means, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation and heavy mounting structures while achieving the same directional communication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple independent radiating elements arranged in a grid pattern. Each element can be independently controlled to steer the beam electronically, replacing the single mechanical antenna with a segmented array that achieves directionality through signal processing rather than physical movement
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transceiver antennas are used to support multiple mission aircraft, then communication coverage increases, but the number of antennas and system complexity increase in proportion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single phased array antenna system that can simultaneously serve multiple mission aircraft by dynamically steering beams to different directions and forming multiple independent beams. This universal system replaces the need for separate transceiver antennas for each aircraft, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive communication coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic beam steering capability where the beam direction and shape can be changed in real-time by adjusting the phase and amplitude distribution across the antenna elements. This dynamic control allows a single antenna system to adapt to multiple communication scenarios and serve multiple aircraft simultaneously without requiring additional physical antennas
3Adaptability or versatility
If a polygonal phased array antenna system with multiple tiles is used to support omnidirectional communication, then communication capability improves, but the system complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the omnidirectional communication task into multiple directional beams, each formed by a subset of antenna elements. By selectively activating and steering different groups of elements, the system achieves omnidirectional coverage through time-division or space-division multiplexing, avoiding the need for a physically large polygonal array with multiple independent tiles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple independent tile-type antennas into a single integrated phased array system. By merging the beam forming and steering capabilities into one unified structure with centralized control, the system achieves omnidirectional communication with reduced complexity compared to coordinating multiple separate tile systems
4Measurement precision
If existing phased array antennas are used for satellite communication, then satellite link performance improves, but omni-directional communication capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically reconfigurable beam forming network that can switch between narrow high-gain beams for satellite communication and wider omnidirectional patterns when needed. The system adjusts the amplitude and phase distribution across elements in real-time, allowing it to adapt its radiation pattern from focused satellite links to omnidirectional coverage based on operational requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A beam search method using an active phased array antenna, in which the beam search method uses a single tile-type phased array antenna including a plurality of radiating elements arranged in a matrix form, and the phased array antenna includes a plurality of sub-arrays including the plurality of radiating elements and arranged in one direction, includes: calculating a beam coefficient application vector for each of the sub-arrays by using a received signal for each of the sub-arrays and a beam coefficient for each of the sub-arrays; determining, as an initial value, a beam coefficient of an effective sub-array corresponding to a maximum value from among absolute values of beam coefficient application vectors for each of the sub-arrays; and performing a monopulse algorithm based on the initial value, to obtain an extended beamwidth greater than a reference beamwidth, which is a range of a beam detected by the phased array antenna.