Planar Beamformer Structure with Integrated Circuit Interconnections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional phased array antenna beamformers for generating multiple beams are complex and prone to errors due to cumulative phase issues and require extensive handwork for reliable interconnections, leading to increased costs and reduced reliability.

Innovation Solution

A beamformer design utilizing two planar rectangular circuit boards with integrated-circuit connections and power splitter/combiners, where the boards are juxtaposed to form a juncture with electrical contact across the edges, allowing for efficient and reliable interconnections and beamforming without direct support for power splitters/combiners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional phased array antenna beamformers are used to generate multiple beams, then beamforming capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to cumulative phase issues and extensive handwork requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple beam generation capabilityVSAvoidbeamformer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The beamformer is divided into multiple planar rectangular circuit boards, each handling specific beamforming functions. This segmentation reduces the complexity of any single board while maintaining the overall multiple beam generation capability through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Integrated circuits are introduced as intermediary components to manage signal distribution and combining between the planar circuit boards. These intermediaries handle the complex phase and amplitude control required for multiple beam generation, reducing the need for manual interconnection work.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional beamformers with extensive handwork interconnections are used, then reliable signal distribution is achieved, but manufacturing time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit boards are pre-assembled with integrated circuits and interconnections fabricated in advance using automated processes. This preliminary action ensures reliable connections while significantly reducing the time required for final assembly, as the complex interconnection work has already been performed during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Manual handwork interconnections are replaced with automated circuit board fabrication and integrated circuit mounting processes. This substitution maintains connection reliability while eliminating the time-consuming manual assembly step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If power splitter/combiners are directly supported on circuit boards, then beamforming functionality is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeamforming functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Power splitter/combiner functions are extracted from the main circuit boards and implemented as separate integrated circuits. This extraction simplifies the circuit board design and manufacturing while maintaining full beamforming functionality through the dedicated integrated circuit components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated circuits serving as power splitters/combiners are designed to be universal components that can be applied across different beamforming configurations. This multi-functionality reduces manufacturing complexity by using standardized components rather than custom-designed board-integrated solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design simplifies the interconnection process, reduces errors, and enhances the reliability and cost-effectiveness of generating multiple beams by leveraging the integrated-circuit connections and power splitter/combiners for efficient signal processing.

Implementation Method 1

An integrated circuit includes at least power splitter/combiners. The integrated circuit is mounted across the juncture, with the first set of connections making electrical contact with the integrated circuit connections adjacent the one of the edges of the first circuit board and with the second set of connections making electrical contact with the integrated-circuit connections adjacent the other one of the edges of the second circuit board.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical signal distribution and combination: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS7626556B1Planar beamformer structure

Publication Date: 2009.12.01 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP

AI summary

An array antenna has antenna subarray elements connected to antenna ports of an array of planar beamformer boards. The beamforming elements are mounted in integrated circuits which bridge the junctions between adjacent circuit boards.