Phased Array Feed Combiner Assembly for Compact Antenna Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phased array antennas are large and space-inefficient due to the need for numerous interconnect configurations and 'electrically large' radiating elements, which also complicates electrical isolation and increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A feed combiner assembly that includes multiple combiner cards, each connecting multiple radiating elements to a common feed line, reducing the number of feed lines required and allowing for easier assembly and replacement. Additionally, a non-conductive overmolded spacer is used to maintain minimum separation between radiating elements, facilitating self-alignment and reducing the need for additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional phased array antennas use individual feed lines for each radiating element, then each element can be independently fed, but the number of feed lines and interconnect configurations increases, leading to excessive size, weight, and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple radiating elements are electrically combined into groups, with each group connected to a common feed line through a feed combiner assembly. This merging approach reduces the total number of feed lines required while maintaining the ability to independently feed different groups of elements, thereby reducing system complexity and interconnect configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The array of radiating elements is divided into multiple columns, with each column further segmented into groups that share a common feed line. This segmentation allows for hierarchical feeding structure where feed combiner assemblies manage specific groups within columns, reducing the overall number of individual feed line connections needed
2Reliability
If conventional phased array antennas accommodate numerous interconnect configurations, then all radiating elements can be connected, but the antenna footprint and component count increase, reducing space efficiency and repair efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connectors for individual radiating elements are merged into a single feed combiner assembly that interfaces with a common feed line. This consolidation reduces the number of separate interconnect configurations and decreases the overall antenna footprint while maintaining complete electrical connection to all radiating elements through the combiner's internal trace network
Solution Approach 2:
The feed combiner assembly serves multiple functions: it combines signals from multiple radiating elements, provides a single interface point for feed line connection, and enables modular replacement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for numerous specialized interconnect components, thereby reducing space requirements
3Area of stationary object
If radiating elements are placed close together to reduce size, then space efficiency improves, but electrical isolation between elements becomes difficult, reducing bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
A non-conductive spacer is introduced as an intermediary component between adjacent radiating elements to maintain electrical isolation. This spacer physically separates the elements while allowing them to be placed closer together than would be possible without such isolation, thereby enabling compact antenna design without sacrificing bandwidth performance
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 feed combiner assembly results in a more compact and repair-efficient feed network, reducing the complexity and cost of interconnect configurations while improving electrical isolation and bandwidth performance.
Implementation Method 1
Each radiating element may have a capacitive coupling portion that capacitively couples the radiating element to adjacent radiating elements
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are feed networks for phased array antennas. An exemplary feed combiner assembly for a phased array antenna can electrically combine multiple radiating elements in a column for connection to a common feed line of a feed network. This enables transmission of a signal to the multiple radiating elements with a single feed line, reducing the number of feed lines required for feeding the radiating elements. The feed combiner assembly can provide for a more compact feed network and easier replacement than a conventional feed line connection configuration. Each radiating element of the phased array antenna can have a capacitive coupling portion that capacitively couples the radiating element to adjacent radiating elements. The spacing between adjacent radiating elements can be controlled by a non-conductive, overmolded spacer disposed on the capacitive coupling portion, which aligns and maintains a minimum separation between adjacent radiating elements.