Sectored Pillbox Antenna Array for Jam-Resistant Horizon Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional omni-networked communication systems are vulnerable to jammer signals, lack angle-of-arrival information, and have limited range and data rates due to low aperture gain, making them unsuitable for applications requiring ultra-wide band communications.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple pillbox antenna structures arranged in a circle to cover the horizon, with each pillbox antenna having a reflector to widen the beam, and a feed layer with transmit/receive modules applying amplitude and phase modulations to enhance beam coverage and exclude interfering signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional omni-networked communication is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but the system is vulnerable to jammer signals and has limited range and data rates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple pillbox antenna structures arranged in a circle, with each structure containing multiple antenna elements. This segmentation allows the system to achieve omnidirectional coverage while maintaining the ability to form directional beams for jammer resistance, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between omnidirectional and directional beam modes based on operational requirements. By controlling the phase and amplitude of signals across the antenna elements, the system can adapt its radiation pattern to provide either broad coverage or focused directional beams for jammer resistance, balancing reliability needs with system complexity.
2Reliability
If AESA-based directional communication is used, then beam coverage is improved, but the system requires disproportionate space and power
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple compact pillbox antenna structures instead of a large planar AESA array. Each pillbox contains a manageable number of antenna elements, distributing the total element count across multiple smaller units arranged in a circle. This segmentation reduces the space and weight requirements compared to a conventional AESA while maintaining beam coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna elements are arranged in a circular configuration around a central axis, utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement. This circular geometry allows the system to achieve hemispherical or spherical coverage with fewer elements than a planar array would require, reducing overall system weight and space while maintaining directional beam capability.
3Reliability
If planar AESA is used, then directional beam is achieved, but the field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The circular arrangement of pillbox antenna structures around a central axis enables the system to cover hemispherical or spherical fields of view. By rotating the beam direction around the central axis, the system achieves three-dimensional coverage capability that exceeds the limited planar field of view of conventional AESA systems, while maintaining directional beam focus.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically steers beams in multiple directions by controlling the phase and amplitude distribution across the circular antenna array. This dynamic beam steering capability allows the system to cover a wide field of view while maintaining focused directional beams, resolving the contradiction between beam directionality and field of view coverage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple panels are used for hemispherical coverage, then field of view is improved, but the number of active switching elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple antenna elements into integrated pillbox structures, where each pillbox contains multiple elements that function as a unified radiating unit. This merging reduces the number of independent switching elements required compared to using separate panels, while the circular arrangement of pillboxes provides comprehensive hemispherical or spherical coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The circular arrangement of pillbox antenna structures segments the overall antenna system into manageable units, each contributing to the total field of view coverage. This segmentation allows the system to achieve wide angular coverage with fewer total elements than a dense planar array would require, reducing the number of switching elements needed while maintaining adaptability.
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
This configuration enables low-weight, low-drag ultra-wide band communications with improved range and data rates, while also providing angle-of-arrival information and resistance to jammer signals.
Implementation Method 1
Each pillbox antenna structures includes a reflector configured to widen the resulting beam
Implementation Method 2
Amplitude and phase modulations enable constructive and destructive interference between neighboring pillbox antenna structures
Implementation Method 3
transmit/receive modules that are configured to apply amplitude and phase modulations to input signals
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna includes multiple pillbox antenna structures arranged in a circle to cover the horizon. Each pillbox antenna structures includes a reflector configured to widen the resulting beam so that neighboring pillbox antenna structures produce beams that interact to more fully cover the horizon. A feed layer may include transmit/receive modules that are configured to apply amplitude and phase modulations to input signals for each pillbox antenna structure. Amplitude and phase modulations enable constructive and destructive interference between neighboring pillbox antenna structures to enhance the resulting beam or create nulls to exclude interfering signals. Sets of pillbox antenna structures may be stacked and angularly offset to correct crossover sectors. Alternatively, or in addition, sets of pillbox antenna structures may be adapted to operate in different, distinct frequency bands.