Phased-Array Lens Antenna for Continuous Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lens antennas are limited by the number of beams or scan directions due to focal point feeding, restricting scan angles to discrete sets corresponding to feeding antenna placements, and large-scale production methods like additive manufacturing are inefficient with high electromagnetic loss.
Innovation Solution
A phased array feeds a lens antenna, emulating spherical wavefronts from any point behind the lens, allowing continuous scan volumes and reduced size, using separately molded layers of varying dielectric constants and a motorized mount for beam positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional focal point feeding is used, then the lens antenna can be manufactured using additive manufacturing, but the number of beams or scan directions is limited to discrete sets corresponding to feeding antenna placements
Solution Approach 1:
The lens antenna is divided into multiple discrete focal points arranged in a grid pattern, with each focal point fed by a separate feed element. This segmentation allows the system to achieve continuous scan coverage by selectively activating different feed elements corresponding to different focal points, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturability and scan angle versatility
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple feed elements are positioned at different locations to replicate the function of a single feed at multiple discrete focal points. Each feed element copies the spherical wavefront generation capability, enabling the system to simulate continuous focal point coverage through discrete replicated elements, thus achieving both manufacturing feasibility and enhanced adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large phased array is used to achieve continuous scan volume, then the beam steering capability is improved, but the size and cost of the phased array increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the lens antenna are assigned different functional qualities: the front surface is optimized for beam formation and directional control, while the back surface contains the distributed feed elements that generate spherical wavefronts. This local differentiation allows a compact phased array configuration to achieve continuous scan volume without requiring large array dimensions, resolving the contradiction between beam steering capability and array size
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional phased array configuration to a three-dimensional focal point distribution by positioning feed elements at multiple depths corresponding to different focal points along the optical axis. This dimensional expansion enables continuous elevation scan coverage while maintaining a compact array footprint, thereby achieving enhanced adaptability without proportionally increasing array area
3Ease of manufacture
If additive manufacturing is used to create the lens, then the lens can be produced as a single component, but the electromagnetic loss is high due to material properties
Solution Approach 1:
The lens antenna is segmented into multiple discrete layers, each with optimized material properties for minimal electromagnetic loss. This segmentation allows the use of low-loss dielectric materials in critical regions while maintaining manufacturability through modular assembly, thereby resolving the contradiction between single-component production ease and energy loss reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The lens is constructed using composite material structures with spatially varying dielectric constants, where different material compositions are used in different regions to optimize electromagnetic performance. This composite approach enables the lens to achieve both manufacturability and low electromagnetic loss by selecting materials with appropriate properties for each region, overcoming the limitations of uniform additive manufacturing materials
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
Enables efficient beam steering over a wide range with a smaller, less expensive phased array, maintaining communication flexibility and reducing manufacturing constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a lens antenna fed by a phased array... generate an electromagnetic wavefront with desired properties
Implementation Method 2
The elements of a phased array can be excited with phase differences set to cause interference that causes the overall wavefront to be curved
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus for making and using a lens antenna fed by a phased array. In some implementations, a communication device includes an antenna system includes a lens antenna and a feed antenna. The lens antenna can be a gradient index lens having a substantially ellipsoidal shape, and having a plurality of layers that respectively have different dielectric constants. The feed antenna can include an array of antenna elements and can be spaced apart from the lens antenna. The communication device can include one or more processors configured to control excitation patterns for the antenna elements of the feed antenna to form beams directed at any of a range of spatial locations. The one or more processors can be configured to cause excitation patterns that concurrently excite multiple antenna elements of the feed antenna with different magnitudes and phase characteristics.