Planar Antenna Array Elements for Low-Bulk Directive Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna arrays are bulky and experience high loss due to quarter wavelength height or cavity depth requirements, leading to increased volume and impedance scanning anomalies.
Innovation Solution
The use of coupled dipoles printed on vertically stacked dielectric boards with integrated impedance matching network components and common-mode cancellation networks, positioned above the ground plane to reduce bulk and enhance bandwidth, allowing for directive radiation and reduced loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If quarter wavelength height or cavity depth is used between antenna and ground plane, then directive radiation is enabled, but volume and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional quarter-wavelength cavity structure to a two-dimensional planar printed circuit board configuration. The antenna elements are printed directly on the PCB substrate, eliminating the need for vertical cavity depth while maintaining directive radiation capability through planar geometry and ground plane design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical quarter-wavelength cavity structure with an electrical/planar printed circuit solution. Instead of relying on physical height for impedance control and radiation direction, the invention uses printed transmission lines, microstrip structures, and planar antenna geometries to achieve the same electromagnetic functions with reduced volume.
2Reliability
If quarter wavelength height or cavity depth is used between antenna and ground plane, then directive radiation is enabled, but loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the lossy quarter-wavelength cavity structure with low-loss printed circuit board transmission lines and planar antenna elements. The microstrip and coplanar waveguide structures on PCB substrates exhibit lower conductor and dielectric losses compared to the resonant cavity approach, particularly at higher frequencies.
3Ease of operation
If impedance matching network components are placed beneath ground plane, then impedance transformation is achieved, but impedance scanning anomalies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the impedance matching network components from beneath the ground plane and places them on the same side of the ground plane as the antenna elements. This is achieved by printing the matching networks directly on the PCB substrate in planar configurations, eliminating the need to route signals through the ground plane and avoiding associated anomalies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves impedance matching components from a three-dimensional subsurface location beneath the ground plane to a two-dimensional planar configuration on the PCB surface. This dimensional transition allows for direct connection to antenna elements without penetrating the ground plane, eliminating impedance scanning anomalies while maintaining matching functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If components are placed beneath array ground plane, then certain functions are achieved, but extra volume is added
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously separate components (antenna elements, impedance matching networks, and feed structures) into a single integrated planar structure on the PCB substrate. All components are printed on the same side of the ground plane, eliminating the need for subsurface component placement and reducing overall array volume while maintaining functional versatility.
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 results in a more compact antenna array with improved bandwidth and reduced loss, enabling efficient transmission and reception of radio waves while minimizing bulk and impedance anomalies.
Implementation Method 1
coupled dipoles printed on vertically stacked dielectric boards
Implementation Method 2
integrated impedance matching network components printed on the dielectric board to facilitate transformation of the impedance
Implementation Method 3
integrated common-mode cancellation network components, such as one or more chip resistors, for cancelling common-mode resonances
Implementation Method 4
coupled dipoles printed on vertically stacked dielectric boards... allowing for directive radiation
Implementation Method 5
Antenna arrays include a group of radiating elements whose currents can be of different amplitudes and/or phases, and can operate in conjunction to provide improved bandwidth
Data Source
AI summary
Antenna elements are described that may include a radiator, a feeding portion, a first impedance transformer, a balun, and a second impedance transformer. The first impedance transformer, balun, and second impedance transformer may be disposed above a ground plane of an antenna array to reduce a bulk of the array. The array can also include a dielectric top layer for loading apertures of the antenna array. The antenna elements can also include anomaly suppressors can be provided to cancel common-mode resonances from the radiators.