Phased Array Antenna Layout for Independent Phase Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of phased array antennas hinder their commercialization in satellite communication systems due to the need for precise phase control and accurate phase delays in antenna arrays.
Innovation Solution
A phased array antenna design using a glass-based substrate with dual feed lines and slits for RF signal transmission, allowing for easy and accurate phase calibration, reducing manufacturing costs and improving reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional phased array antenna design is used with precise phase control, then phase accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is divided into multiple antenna devices, each containing multiple antenna elements with independent feed lines. This segmentation allows each antenna device to be calibrated independently, simplifying the overall phase control system while maintaining high phase accuracy across the entire array.
Solution Approach 2:
Phase calibration is performed during the manufacturing process by adjusting the phase of RF signals in each antenna device before final assembly. This preliminary action ensures that phase accuracy is established early, eliminating the need for complex real-time phase control mechanisms in the finished product.
2Measurement precision
If traditional phased array antenna design is used with precise phase control, then phase accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Each antenna device includes built-in feed lines and signal channels that enable self-calibration during manufacturing. The independent signal channels allow the antenna device to adjust its own phase characteristics without requiring external calibration equipment or complex assembly processes, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring phase accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If independent signal channels are provided for each antenna element, then phase calibration accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple signal channels are merged into a single substrate structure with integrated feed lines and ground plates. This merging approach allows independent phase control for each antenna element while sharing common structural components, thereby reducing device complexity compared to fully separate implementations.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, contains signal channels for RF transmission, and incorporates ground plates for electromagnetic shielding. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, lowering device complexity while maintaining the capability for independent phase calibration of each antenna element.
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 proposed design enables cost-effective and reliable phase calibration, enhancing the performance of phased array antennas for both terrestrial and satellite communications.
Implementation Method 1
a first feed line and a second feed line arranged in the second layer and connected to the first signal port and the second signal port, respectively... transmitting the first and second RF signals
Implementation Method 2
a radiation element disposed over the substrate... configured to transmit a first radio-frequency (RF) signal and a second RF signal
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna device includes: a substrate; a first ground plate arranged in a first layer and disposed on the substrate; a first signal port and a second signal port arranged in a second layer adjacent to the first layer and configured to transmit a first radio-frequency (RF) signal and a second RF signal, respectively; a first feed line and a second feed line arranged in the second layer and connected to the first signal port and the second signal port, respectively; and a radiation element disposed over the substrate. The substrate is arranged to provide a first signal channel and a second signal channel between the radiation element and the first or second feed line for transmitting the first and second RF signals, the first feed line and the second feed line have different line lengths, and the radiation element at least partially overlaps the first and second signal channels.