Polarized Antenna Array Beam Steering Cross-Polar Discrimination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing polarized antenna arrays experience a decrease in cross-polar discrimination when the beam steering vector changes from being parallel to orthogonal with the polarization vector, leading to reduced performance in steered radio frequency beams.

Innovation Solution

A polarized antenna array design featuring two sub-sets of antenna elements with controlled phase differences, where one sub-set has a first polarization vector and the other a second polarization vector, causing constructive combination in the co-polarization direction and destructive combination in the cross-polarization direction, achieved through varying characteristics and orientations of the antenna elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a phased array of the same polarized antenna elements is used for beam steering, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but cross-polar discrimination decreases as the beam steering angle changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidcross-polar discrimination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna array is segmented into two distinct sub-sets: first polarized antenna elements and second polarized antenna elements. Each sub-set has different polarization vectors, allowing independent control of their radiation patterns. This segmentation enables the system to maintain cross-polar discrimination while steering the beam by selectively adjusting the phase and amplitude of each sub-set.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different local regions of the antenna array (first and second sub-sets) are assigned different polarization characteristics. The first sub-set has a first polarization vector while the second sub-set has a second polarization vector, creating local quality variations that enable maintained cross-polar discrimination across different beam steering angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the beam steering vector is varied during beam steering, then the beam can be directed to different azimuthal angles, but cross-polar discrimination deteriorates when the steering vector becomes orthogonal to the polarization vector

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam steering capabilityVSAvoidcross-polar discrimination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the phase difference between the first and second polarized antenna element sub-sets based on the beam steering angle. By varying the relative phase of the two sub-sets, the system adapts to different steering angles while maintaining consistent cross-polar discrimination performance, preventing deterioration even when the steering vector becomes orthogonal to the original polarization vector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the polarization parameters of different antenna element sub-sets. By assigning different polarization vectors to the first and second sub-sets and controlling their relative phase, the system maintains cross-polar discrimination across varying beam steering angles, effectively decoupling the steering capability from discrimination performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances cross-polar discrimination by maintaining high performance across different azimuthal angles, as demonstrated by experimental results, effectively addressing the decline in cross-polar discrimination during beam steering.

Implementation Method 1

application of a controlled phase difference between the first sub-set of polarized antenna elements and the second sub-set of polarized antenna elements causes constructive combination of the first polarization vector and second polarization vector in the co-polarization direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConstructive combination: Interference

Implementation Method 2

application of a controlled phase difference between the first sub-set of polarized antenna elements and the second sub-set of polarized antenna elements causes destructive combination of the first polarization vector and the second polarization vector in the cross-polarization direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDestructive combination: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS11233340B2Polarized antenna array

Publication Date: 2022.01.25 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY

AI summary

A polarized antenna array is provided that includes multiple polarized antenna elements. The polarized antenna array has a polarization vector defining a co-polarization direction and a cross-polarization direction. The multiple polarized antenna elements include a first sub-set of polarized antenna elements that collectively have a first polarization vector and a second sub-set of polarized antenna elements that collectively have a second polarization vector. Application of a controlled phase difference between the first sub-set of polarized antenna elements and the second sub-set of polarized antenna elements causes constructive combination of the first polarization vector and second polarization vector in the co-polarization direction and destructive combination of the first polarization vector and the second polarization vector in the cross-polarization direction.