Phased Array Antenna Matrix Switch Terminal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased array antenna apparatuses face issues with power loss and antenna pattern disturbance due to mismatched arrangements of antenna elements and feeding points with semiconductor IC chip terminals, particularly in high-frequency applications, where dedicated IC chips are costly and time-consuming to develop.
Innovation Solution
A phased array antenna apparatus with a semiconductor IC chip featuring a matrix switch that adjusts the connection relation between input/output terminals and feeding points, allowing for optimal alignment and reduced power loss by using a matrix switch to change the connection relation between first and second input/output terminals based on the arrangement and positions of antenna elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated semiconductor IC chip with fixed terminal arrangement is used, then the connection between input/output terminals and feeding points is fixed, but the arrangement cannot be changed to match different antenna element configurations, leading to power loss and antenna pattern disturbance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a matrix switch that enables dynamic reconfiguration of connections between input/output terminals and feeding points. The connection relation is changed according to the arrangement of antenna elements and positions of feeding points, allowing the system to adapt to different configurations without physical reconfiguration of the antenna array or the IC chip.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix switch acts as an intermediary component between the fixed terminal arrangement on the semiconductor IC chip and the variable antenna element configurations. It provides a flexible connection interface that can be reconfigured to match different antenna arrangements, eliminating the need for dedicated IC chips for each configuration.
2Reliability
If dedicated semiconductor IC chips are prepared for each phased array antenna apparatus configuration, then the connection match is optimized, but the development period and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single semiconductor IC chip design universal by incorporating a matrix switch that can be reconfigured to support multiple antenna element arrangements and feeding point configurations. This eliminates the need to develop separate dedicated IC chips for different phased array configurations, reducing development cost and period while maintaining optimal connection matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection configuration is changed by reconfiguring the matrix switch rather than changing the physical IC chip design. The system adjusts connection parameters (which terminal connects to which feeding point) to match different antenna arrangements, maintaining optimal performance without requiring new IC chip developments.
3Loss of energy
If the arrangement of antenna elements and feeding points does not coincide with the arrangement of input/output terminals on the semiconductor IC chip, then power loss increases and antenna pattern is disturbed, but creating dedicated IC chips for each configuration increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The matrix switch provides dynamic reconfiguration capability that allows the connection between terminals and feeding points to be optimized for different antenna arrangements. This ensures minimal power loss and undisturbed antenna patterns while maintaining flexibility to adapt to various configurations without requiring dedicated IC chips.
Data Source
AI summary
A phased array antenna apparatus 10 according to an example embodiment includes at least four patch antennas 6 arranged in a two-dimensional array, and a semiconductor IC 1 connected to the patch antennas 6, in which the semiconductor IC 1 includes at least two first input/output terminals 5 through which a transmission/reception signal is input/output between the phased array antenna apparatus and an external apparatus connected to the phased array antenna apparatus, a plurality of second input/output terminals 4 connected to feeding points 8 of the patch antennas 6 through respective feed lines 7, the plurality of second input/output terminals being terminals through which the transmission/reception signal is input/output, and a matrix switch 2 capable of changing a connection relation between the first input/output terminals 5 and the second input/output terminals 4.