Wideband Phased Array Reflector Antenna Variable Beamwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communications systems face challenges in managing co-channel interference due to limited variable beamwidth capabilities, which result in poor wideband performance as geographic areas with overlapping RF channels become closer.
Innovation Solution
A versatile wideband phased array fed reflector antenna system with a parabolic reflector and phased array feed elements, where inner and outer feed elements are disposed at the same distance from the focal point, allowing for adjustable beamwidth by varying the relative amplitudes of these elements, eliminating the need for phase shifting and enabling geometric frequency independence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If variable beamwidth systems are used to reduce overlapping coverage, then spatial separation capability is improved, but wideband performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system segments the aperture into multiple independently controllable feed elements arranged in a grid pattern. Each feed element can be independently activated or deactivated, allowing the system to create different beamwidth configurations by selectively using portions of the aperture, thereby achieving variable beamwidth without compromising wideband performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts beamwidth by controlling the amplitude and phase of individual feed elements in real-time. This dynamic control allows the antenna to adapt its radiation pattern to different operational requirements while maintaining excellent wideband performance across the operating frequency range
2Ease of operation
If phase shifters are used to adjust beamwidth, then beam steering capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical phase shifters with a digital signal processing approach. By using amplitude control of individually addressable feed elements combined with digital beamforming techniques, the system achieves phase adjustment functionality without requiring physical phase shifting components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining beamwidth adjustment capability
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 antenna system achieves excellent wideband performance with variable beamwidth, capable of operating over a 5:1 bandwidth range without requiring phase shifters, effectively reducing co-channel interference and maintaining performance across a large frequency range from 2 GHz to 10 GHz.
Implementation Method 1
phased array having one or more inner feed elements and one or more outer feed elements... Each of the one or more inner feed elements and the one or more outer feed elements is disposed a same distance in wavelengths from the focal point of the reflector
Implementation Method 2
parabolic reflector having a focal point... Each of the plurality of feed elements is disposed a same distance from the focal point of the reflector
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system includes a reflector having a focal point, and a phased array having feed elements. Each feed element is disposed a same distance from the focal point of the reflector. A method for varying the beamwidth of an antenna system includes providing the antenna system with a reflector having a focal point and feed elements disposed a same distance from the focal point. The feed elements includes one or more inner feed elements and one or more outer feed elements. The method further includes adjusting relative amplitudes of the inner feed elements and the outer feed elements to adjust the beamwidth of the antenna system. An antenna system includes a parabolic reflector having a focal point, and a phased array having one or more inner feed elements and one or more outer feed elements. Each of the feed elements is disposed a same distance in wavelengths from the focal point, and is oriented towards the focal point.