Phased Array Unit Cell Antenna With Capacitive Coupling Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phased array antenna designs face challenges in manufacturing and operating at millimeter-wave frequencies due to the need for narrow gaps between antenna elements, which are difficult and expensive to produce.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates printed metallic segments capacitively coupled to dipole antenna elements and shorting pins to eliminate the need for narrow inter-dipole gaps, enabling ultra-wideband electronically scanned phased arrays that improve RF performance across a wide frequency bandwidth without compromising low-frequency extension and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If narrow gaps between antenna elements are used to achieve low frequency extension, then frequency bandwidth is improved, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling segment is introduced as an intermediary element between adjacent dipole antennas. This coupling segment provides the necessary capacitive coupling to achieve low frequency extension without requiring narrow gaps between the dipole elements themselves. The coupling segment acts as a mediator that enables frequency bandwidth improvement while avoiding the manufacturing difficulties associated with narrow gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna element is divided into distinct segments: the dipole antennas and the separate coupling segment. This segmentation allows the coupling segment to be optimized independently for providing capacitive coupling, while the dipole antennas can be manufactured with standard, easier-to-produce gap dimensions. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the functions of radiation and coupling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If narrow gaps between antenna elements are used to achieve low frequency extension, then frequency bandwidth is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling segment serves as an intermediary structure that enables low frequency operation through capacitive coupling without requiring expensive narrow gap fabrication. This intermediary element can be manufactured using standard PCB techniques, significantly reducing manufacturing cost compared to achieving the same effect through narrow gaps alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling segment provides a cost-effective solution by using a simple, easily manufacturable structure to achieve the capacitive coupling effect. Rather than investing in expensive narrow gap manufacturing processes, the design uses an additional but inexpensive coupling segment that can be fabricated with standard, lower-cost techniques.
3Ease of manufacture
If coupling segments are added to eliminate narrow gaps, then manufacturing ease is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling segment is merged with the ground plane structure of the PCB, integrating the coupling function into the existing substrate architecture. This merging approach adds the necessary capacitive coupling capability while minimizing additional structural complexity, as the coupling segment can be implemented as a simple conductive trace or patch on the PCB.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling segment serves multiple functions: it provides capacitive coupling for low frequency extension, maintains structural integrity of the antenna element, and can be integrated with the ground plane structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving manufacturing ease improvement.
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 solution provides high-performance, lightweight, low-profile, and affordable phased arrays capable of bi-directional communication and beamforming without mechanical moving parts, suitable for various applications including radar, 5G, and electronic warfare, with enhanced frequency coverage and reduced manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling segment capacitively coupled to each of the second antenna segment of the first dipole antenna and the second antenna segment of the second dipole antenna
Implementation Method 2
a shorting pin coupled to the coupling segment and extending from the first surface to the second surface
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna element and an antenna array including the antenna element for generating or receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal are provided. The antenna element includes a dielectric layer including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a first dipole antenna comprising a first antenna segment and a second antenna segment, the first dipole antenna formed in the second surface; a second dipole antenna comprising a first antenna segment and a second antenna segment, the second dipole antenna formed in the second surface; a coupling segment capacitively coupled to each of the second antenna segment of the first dipole antenna and the second antenna segment of the second dipole antenna; and a shorting pin capacitively coupled to the coupling segment and extending from the first surface to the second surface.