Substrate-loaded frequency-scaled ultra-wide spectrum element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wideband phased array antennas are large, costly, and heavy, and struggle to optimize bandwidth, scan volume, and polarization without increasing size, weight, and cost, while maintaining manufacturability.
Innovation Solution
A frequency-scaled ultra-wide spectrum phased array antenna design featuring a pattern of radiating elements and pillars between substrate layers, allowing for scalable, lightweight, and low-cost construction with good impedance and polarization, using capacitive coupling for enhanced bandwidth and scan angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wideband phased array antennas are used to achieve adequate bandwidth and scan volume, then the antenna performance requirements are met, but the size, weight, and cost increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is divided into multiple sub-arrays, each with its own feeding network. This segmentation allows each sub-array to be optimized for wideband performance independently, reducing the overall complexity and weight compared to a monolithic design while maintaining the required bandwidth and scan volume through coordinated operation of the sub-arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar antenna elements to three-dimensional printed structures with complex geometries. By utilizing the third dimension for structural complexity rather than increasing planar dimensions, the antenna achieves wideband performance and large scan volume without proportionally increasing overall size and weight.
2Reliability
If antenna element length is increased to achieve impedance matching and maximize bandwidth, then bandwidth is improved, but the size and weight of the array increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements incorporate curved and three-dimensional geometries rather than simple linear structures. This curvature allows the electromagnetic fields to interact more effectively, achieving broadband impedance matching and wide bandwidth performance without requiring proportionally longer element lengths, thus reducing overall array size and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multi-material 3D printing with different dielectric and conductive materials having optimized electromagnetic properties. These composite materials enable enhanced impedance matching and broadband performance in more compact structures, reducing the length required for each element while maintaining or improving bandwidth.
3Reliability
If antenna elements are spaced closer to increase scan volume, then scan volume is improved, but coupling between elements increases and degrades performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested or interlocking three-dimensional structures where antenna elements are positioned within complex geometries that provide natural electromagnetic isolation. This nesting allows closer spacing for increased scan volume while the three-dimensional structures act as shields, reducing harmful coupling between adjacent elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex three-dimensional printed structures serve as intermediary elements between adjacent antenna radiators. These intermediary structures are designed to provide electromagnetic isolation and reduce coupling while maintaining the close spacing necessary for large scan volume, effectively mediating the interaction between closely spaced elements.
4Reliability
If multiple multi-band elements are nested to enable instantaneous ultra-wide bandwidth performance, then bandwidth is improved, but the array length and width increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of nesting multiple multi-band elements in the planar domain, the patent achieves ultra-wide bandwidth through three-dimensional printed structures with vertical and spatial complexity. This dimensionality change allows the antenna to achieve multi-band performance within a compact footprint by utilizing the third dimension for frequency multiplexing and field control rather than increasing planar area.
Solution Approach 2:
The three-dimensional printed antenna structures are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: radiation, impedance matching, bandwidth extension, and spatial isolation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate nested elements for different frequency bands, achieving ultra-wide bandwidth in a compact single-structure design rather than requiring multiple nested elements that would increase array footprint.
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 design achieves wide bandwidth, wide scan angle, and good polarization in a small, lightweight, and cost-effective phased array antenna, reducing the number of required antennas and improving manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
using capacitive coupling for enhanced bandwidth and scan angle
Implementation Method 2
Radiating elements are configured to be electromagnetically coupled to one or more adjacent radiating elements via the pillars
Data Source
AI summary
A phased array antenna that includes a base plate; first and second spaced apart radiating elements formed by at least one conductive layer disposed on at least one dielectric layer that projects from the base plate; and a pillar disposed between the first and second spaced apart radiating elements, wherein the pillar is electrically connected to the base plate, and the first and second spaced apart radiating elements are configured to capacitively couple to the pillar.