Planar Broadband Lens Antenna for Compact Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF antenna systems face limitations in beam steering and beam width control, particularly in reducing the number of radiating elements required for desired beam patterns, and in accommodating different frequency bands effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of multi-element broadband lenses with first and second lens elements having different RF characteristics, arranged in a planar substrate with LC circuits and metal layers, allows for selective focusing of RF signals and reduced spacing between lenses and radiating elements, enabling flexible beamwidth control across various frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If semi-spherical optical lenses are used for beam steering and beam width control, then beam steering capability is improved, but the spacing between the lens and radiating element becomes large (comparable to lens diameter)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from semi-spherical lenses to planar lenses with curved phase profiles. The planar lens maintains the necessary phase manipulation capabilities through its phase profile design while achieving a compact form factor that reduces spacing requirements to less than one-half (or one-quarter) of the lens diameter, resolving the contradiction between beam steering capability and spacing size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental geometric parameter of the lens from spherical to planar configuration. This parameter change allows the lens to achieve the same beam steering function with a dramatically reduced spacing distance, as the planar configuration with engineered phase profile replaces the volume-dependent spherical geometry.
2Ease of operation
If multiple radiating elements are used to achieve desired beam patterns, then beam pattern control is improved, but the total number of radiating elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the beam pattern control function from the radiating elements themselves and transfers it to the planar lens. By placing a single planar lens in front of each radiating element, the lens assumes responsibility for beam shaping and steering, thereby reducing the need for multiple radiating elements while maintaining desired beam patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The planar lens serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides beam steering, beam width control, and beam pattern shaping. This multi-functionality allows a single lens per radiating element to replace what would otherwise require multiple radiating elements working in coordination, thus reducing the total element count.
3Ease of operation
If conventional lenses are used, then beam steering is provided, but adaptability to different frequency bands is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tunability and adaptability into the lens system through variable spacing configurations. The spacing between the planar lens and radiating element can be adjusted to accommodate different frequency bands, allowing the same lens design to adapt its performance characteristics across multiple frequency ranges while maintaining beam steering capability.
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 enhances beam steering and beam width control, reduces the number of radiating elements needed, and allows for adaptable performance across different frequency bands, achieving improved directivity and isolation compared to conventional antennas.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first lens elements includes a first LC circuit, and each of the second lens elements includes a second LC circuit
Implementation Method 2
broadband lenses may be configured to provide a high degree of selective focusing of radio frequency (RF) signals within one frequency band relative to RF signals within another frequency band
Implementation Method 3
The multi-element broadband lens may be embedded within a planar substrate, which includes a dielectric layer and first and second pluralities of electrically conductive layers on first and second opposing surfaces of the dielectric layer
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna includes a radiating element on a forward-facing surface of an underlying reflector, and a multi-element planar broadband lens in front of and within a radio frequency (RF) transmission path of the radiating element. The broadband lens includes first lens elements having first RF characteristics and second lens elements having second RF characteristics, which are different from the first RF characteristics. The first lens elements are arranged as a plurality of the first lens elements, which are encircled by an array of the second lens elements. Each of the first lens elements includes a first LC circuit, and each of the second LC circuits includes a second LC circuit with a smaller inductance relative to the first LC circuit.