Phased Array Beam Steering Beyond Bandwidth Null Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phased array antenna systems suffer from frequency bandwidth limitations and energy loss due to mutual coupling between antenna elements, leading to null points and decreased gain, necessitating a solution to operate outside the predetermined bandwidth without altering structural parameters.
Innovation Solution
A transmission system for phased array antennas that includes an RF signal generator, modification system, and steering system, which iteratively randomizes amplitude and phase of electrical signals to enhance transmission efficiency, removing null points and maintaining high gain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the frequency bandwidth is extended beyond the predetermined range, then the operational versatility is improved, but mutual coupling between antenna elements increases causing null points and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the electrical parameters (amplitude and phase) of signals fed to each antenna element dynamically across different frequencies. By changing these parameters compensatorily, the system maintains effective radiation patterns outside the predetermined bandwidth while reducing mutual coupling effects, thus extending operational frequency range without proportional energy loss increase
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a modification system that determines transmission efficiency coefficients for each frequency and iteratively modifies signal parameters to maximize efficiency. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to mutual coupling effects at different frequencies, maintaining high transmission efficiency across extended bandwidth by compensating for energy loss in real-time
2Power
If the number of antenna elements is increased to improve gain, then the radiation power is enhanced, but mutual coupling between elements increases causing null points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies individualized amplitude and phase parameter modifications to each antenna element's signal based on its position and the operating frequency. This compensatory parameter adjustment reduces constructive interference patterns that create null points, allowing the system to maintain high radiation power from multiple elements while improving transmission reliability across the frequency spectrum
Solution Approach 2:
The modification system applies localized parameter adjustments to each antenna element rather than uniform changes across the array. By tailoring the amplitude and phase modifications specifically for each element based on its local coupling environment, the system maintains overall high radiation power while eliminating null points caused by local interference patterns
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between antenna elements is changed to extend bandwidth, then the frequency range is improved, but the physical structure must be modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/structural modifications (changing antenna element distances) with electrical parameter modifications (amplitude and phase adjustments). This substitution allows the system to extend frequency bandwidth while maintaining the original physical structure, avoiding the complexity of reconfigurable mechanical arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes electrical parameters (signal amplitude and phase) rather than physical parameters (antenna spacing). This approach achieves bandwidth extension through software-controlled parameter modification, eliminating the need for physical structural changes and reducing device complexity
4Measurement precision
If signal amplitude and phase are precisely controlled to maintain beam direction, then the beam steering accuracy is improved, but the system becomes sensitive to mutual coupling effects
Solution Approach 1:
The modification system continuously determines transmission efficiency coefficients and iteratively adjusts signal parameters to maximize efficiency while maintaining beam steering accuracy. This feedback loop compensates for mutual coupling effects that would otherwise degrade system reliability, allowing precise beam control to coexist with robustness against coupling effects
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of mutual coupling into useful information by measuring transmission efficiency and using it to optimize signal parameters. The previously problematic coupling effects are now exploited to enhance beam steering accuracy through compensatory parameter adjustments that account for the actual electromagnetic environment
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 system effectively transmits RF radiation at selected frequencies with improved efficiency, eliminating null points and maintaining high gain by iteratively modifying signals until the transmission efficiency coefficient meets a predetermined threshold.
Implementation Method 1
The phased array generates an electro-magnetic radiation beam that can be electronically steered to a desired direction(s) without physically moving the antenna elements. In operation, the electro-magnetic waves, radiated by each antenna element, combine and superpose (i.e., interfering constructively) to enhance the power of the beam radiated in desired direction(s)
Implementation Method 2
suppressing and reducing the power of radiation (i.e. interfering destructively) in other undesired directions
Implementation Method 3
A transmission system for phased array antennas that includes an RF signal generator, modification system, and steering system, which iteratively randomizes amplitude and phase of electrical signals to enhance transmission efficiency, removing null points and maintaining high gain
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission system and method for transmitting radio frequency (RF) radiation in a predetermined direction at a sequence of K frequencies by an antenna array. The system includes an RF signal generator configured for generating electrical signals having an initial amplitude and an initial phase through transmission channels corresponding to antenna elements of the antenna array at the sequence of K frequencies. The system also includes a modification system, configured for obtaining optimal electrical signals for which a transmission efficiency coefficient of the transmission system is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, and a steering system configured for (i) receiving the optimal electrical signals, (ii) generating steering electrical signals related to the optimal electrical signals and (iii) relaying the steering electrical signals to the antenna array to form a steered beam for transmission in the predetermined direction.