Planar Beamspace Mapping for 2D-to-1D Phased Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical processors for RF beam forming require two-dimensional antenna arrays and fiber arrays, leading to complex and costly three-dimensional optical processing, which is inefficient compared to the scalable planar fabrication techniques used in electronic integrated circuits.
Innovation Solution
A method to map a two-dimensional antenna array into a one-dimensional array of channels, using a planar optical processor that transforms the beamspace array, allowing for efficient beam forming while reducing manufacturing costs by leveraging semiconductor chip technology and planar fabrication techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two-dimensional antenna arrays and fiber arrays are used for RF beam forming, then beam-forming ability is preserved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to three-dimensional optical processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by mapping the two-dimensional antenna array onto a one-dimensional linear fiber array through a planar optical processor. This transformation projects the 2D spatial information onto a 1D linear structure, enabling the system to maintain beam-forming capabilities while eliminating the need for complex 3D optical processing. The planar processor uses lens arrays and Fourier optics to achieve this dimensional reduction, where the 2D antenna elements are optically transformed into 1D fiber array inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying to create a mapping between the antenna array geometry and the fiber array geometry. The planar optical processor creates an optical copy of the 2D antenna array spatial information and projects it onto the 1D fiber array. This copying mechanism allows the system to preserve the essential beam-forming characteristics of the 2D array while using a simpler 1D fiber structure for optical processing.
2Reliability
If two-dimensional antenna arrays and fiber arrays are used for RF beam forming, then beam-forming ability is preserved, but manufacturing cost increases due to hand assembly of optical elements
Solution Approach 1:
By transforming the 2D optical processing requirement into a 1D planar structure, the patent enables the use of automated planar fabrication techniques similar to semiconductor manufacturing. This dimensional reduction allows optical elements to be arranged in a planar configuration that can be manufactured using automated assembly processes rather than requiring costly hand assembly of discrete 3D optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical assembly of discrete 3D optical components with a planar optical processing system that can be manufactured using automated techniques. The planar processor uses integrated optical elements arranged in a flat configuration that can be fabricated using automated deposition, lithography, and assembly methods, substituting the manual mechanical assembly process with automated manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If two-dimensional fiber arrays are used, then direct mapping to antenna array is achieved, but scalability is limited compared to planar fabrication techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the scalability limitation by projecting the 2D antenna array information onto a 1D linear fiber array through planar optical processing. This dimensional transformation allows the system to scale to larger antenna arrays without requiring proportionally larger 2D fiber arrays. The planar processor can handle increased array sizes using automated planar fabrication techniques, enabling scalability that matches semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The planar optical processor serves multiple functions: it performs spatial mapping from 2D to 1D, enables automated fabrication, and provides scalability for different array sizes. This multi-functional design allows the same planar processing architecture to be used across various antenna array configurations, enhancing the overall scalability and adaptability of the system.
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 preserves beam-forming ability, reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, and enables scalable production by converting a 2D beamspace array to a 1D array, facilitating the use of planar techniques for optical processing.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of sensors may capture incoming radiation and convert the incoming radiation to a plurality of signals
Implementation Method 2
Each of the radiating elements is in communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of channels to provide an outgoing radiation corresponding to the signal received by the channel
Implementation Method 3
a planar optical processor that transforms the beamspace array
Implementation Method 4
planar optical processor that transforms the beamspace array
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method is provided to correlate radiation beams, such as RF beams, optical beams, and/or acoustic beams. A plurality of sensors are distributed according to a first pattern and disposed adjacent to a first interference region. The plurality of sensors may capture incoming radiation and convert the incoming radiation to a plurality of signals. A plurality of radiating elements are distributed according to a second pattern that differs from the first pattern and are disposed adjacent to a second interference region. A plurality of channels are connected between the sensors and the radiating elements, each channel connecting a corresponding sensor to receive a corresponding signal. Each of the radiating elements is in communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of channels to provide an outgoing radiation corresponding to the signal received by the channel. The second pattern has a relationship to the first pattern such that first and second beams of incoming radiation in the first interference region captured by the plurality of sensors are respectively mapped to corresponding first and second beams of outgoing radiation emitted by the plurality of radiating elements into the second interference region.