Phased Array Front-End Device Using L-Shaped Excitation Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased array radar and communication systems face challenges in achieving compact, low-cost, and robust designs with multiple performance functions due to increased complexity and bulkiness from additional circuitry and hardware, particularly at millimeter-wave frequencies, and struggle with efficient power handling and polarization control.
Innovation Solution
A dual-polarized phased array front-end device featuring an array of horn antennas with L-shaped excitation elements, microstrip-based Rotman lenses, and waveguide twists for phase-shifting networks, allowing for independent control of vertical and horizontal polarizations and enhanced focusing with varying permittivity, enabling compact and broadband operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional circuitry and hardware are added to achieve multiple performance functions (beam scanning, polarization control, multibeam capabilities), then system functionality and performance are improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated Rotman lens structure that simultaneously provides beam scanning, polarization control, and power division. The lens integrates both E-plane and H-plane beam scanning capabilities in one component, eliminating the need for separate circuitry for each function. This merging approach achieves multibeam capabilities with independent polarization control while reducing overall device complexity compared to using multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The Rotman lens is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it acts as a power divider, provides phase shifting for beam scanning, enables polarization control through orthogonal feeds, and supports multibeam operation. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate devices, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Rotman lens is used for power division and beam control, then beam scanning and multibeam capabilities are achieved, but power losses increase due to non-perfect focusing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by using orthogonal waveguide feeds with specific orientation (E-plane and H-plane) at different locations within the Rotman lens structure. Each feed is positioned and oriented to optimize power coupling to specific antenna elements, improving focusing efficiency. The lens incorporates variable impedance regions and optimized feed locations to minimize power losses by ensuring that power is directed precisely where needed rather than being distributed uniformly, thereby reducing energy waste.
3Weight of stationary object
If compact design is implemented to reduce size and weight, then portability and integration are improved, but heat dissipation and power management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical beam steering systems with an electronically controlled Rotman lens-based phased array system. This substitution eliminates large mechanical moving parts that would add weight and complexity, while the electronic phase control provides sufficient beam steering capability. The compact Rotman lens structure integrates power division and phase control in a space-efficient manner, and the system design considers thermal management through optimized component layout and heat dissipation paths in the compact architecture.
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 solution enables efficient beam control and polarization management, reducing power losses and maintaining high performance across a wide bandwidth, while maintaining a low profile and compact design suitable for millimeter-wave frequencies, supporting applications in imaging, collision avoidance, and communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
Each L-shaped excitation element of the plurality of L-shaped excitation elements couples a transmission line from each of the first and second sets of transmission lines to a respective horn antenna of the horn antenna array
Implementation Method 2
signals passing between one or more of the plurality of beam ports and one or more of the plurality of array ports encounter a varying material property within the Rotman lens
Implementation Method 3
enhanced focusing with varying permittivity
Implementation Method 4
a first set of waveguide feeds configured to support a first polarization and a second set of waveguide feeds configured to support a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a front-end device for a phased array system. The front-end device includes an array of horn antennas, a first set of transmission lines coupled to the horn antenna array for a first polarization, a second set of transmission lines coupled to the horn antenna array for a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization, and a plurality of L-shaped excitation elements. Each L-shaped excitation element of the plurality of L-shaped excitation elements couples a transmission line from each of the first and second sets of transmission lines to a respective horn antenna of the horn antenna array.