Rectangular Planar Array Antenna for 2D Direction of Arrival Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating the direction of arrival (DOA) of electromagnetic beams in communications systems require complex mechanical and electrical structures or large numbers of receive antennas, making them cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a rectangular planar array of antenna elements and a signal processor to estimate the two-dimensional DOA based on the relative phases of signal components, eliminating the need for complex mechanical and electrical structures and reducing the number of antennas required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical solutions with rotating antennas are used for DOA estimation, then directional scanning capability is achieved, but device complexity and mechanical structure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rotation and scanning systems with an electrical/phased array solution. Instead of physically rotating a single antenna to scan directions, the invention uses multiple antenna elements arranged in a planar array with electronic phase control to achieve directional sensing without any moving mechanical parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the single rotating antenna into multiple stationary antenna elements arranged in a planar array. By segmenting the reception function across multiple elements, the system achieves omnidirectional coverage and DOA estimation capabilities without requiring mechanical movement of any single element.
2Measurement precision
If electrical solutions with large numbers of receive antennas are used for DOA estimation, then DOA estimation capability is improved, but quantity of antennas and hardware complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear antenna arrays to two-dimensional planar arrays. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve superior DOA estimation performance in both azimuth and elevation planes simultaneously, providing three-dimensional spatial awareness with a compact configuration that requires fewer elements than equivalent one-dimensional arrays.
3Measurement precision
If complex beamforming algorithms are used for DOA estimation, then estimation accuracy is improved, but processing complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the planar array geometry and element spacing to naturally provide spatial diversity and phase information that directly enables DOA estimation. The geometric arrangement of elements in the planar configuration inherently captures the necessary spatial characteristics, reducing the need for complex iterative beamforming algorithms and enabling more straightforward processing approaches.
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 approach simplifies DOA estimation, improving efficiency and reducing hardware complexity while maintaining accurate angle detection capabilities, applicable to various communication standards.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna system includes a plurality of antenna elements arranged in a rectangular planar array and configured to receive signal components of the electromagnetic beam
Implementation Method 2
The signal processor estimates the two-dimensional DOA of the electromagnetic beam based on relative phases of the signal components of the electromagnetic beam
Data Source
AI summary
A device for estimating a two-dimensional direction of arrival (DOA) of an electromagnetic beam includes an antenna system, and a signal processor operatively coupled to the antenna elements of the antenna system. The antenna system includes a plurality of antenna elements arranged in a rectangular planar array and configured to receive signal components of the electromagnetic beam. The signal processor estimates the two-dimensional DOA of the electromagnetic beam based on relative phases of the signal components of the electromagnetic beam.