Power Amplifying Radiator Integrating Capacitive Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high power radio frequency (RF) energy generation and transmission systems using phase-array antenna technology are bulky, heavy, and complex, with significant power losses and physical constraints due to separate amplifier and antenna components, and require specialized high voltage components and cables.
Innovation Solution
An integrated Power Amplifying Radiator (PAR) element that combines a solid-state RF amplifier and antenna, utilizing capacitive power coupling and impedance matching, with a cavity combiner for electromagnetic communication, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing weight and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate amplifier and antenna components are used with connecting cables, then power distribution flexibility is improved, but power losses increase and physical constraints are imposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the amplifier and antenna into a single integrated Power Amplifying Radiator (PAR) element, eliminating the need for separate components and connecting cables. This integration directly reduces power losses while maintaining power distribution flexibility through the unified design that can be deployed in modular configurations.
2Power
If phased-array system is used instead of single-element antenna, then Effective Radiated Power and pointing agility are improved, but weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the amplifier and antenna into a single PAR element, reducing the number of discrete components and interconnections required in phased-array systems. This integration simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to achieve high Effective Radiated Power through array configuration of multiple PAR elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the phased-array system into modular PAR elements that can be independently configured and deployed. Each PAR element is a self-contained unit with integrated amplifier and antenna, allowing flexible system scaling and reduced overall complexity compared to traditional distributed amplifier-antenna configurations.
3Power
If high voltage components and cables are used, then high power transmission capability is improved, but weight and handling issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power amplification and radiation functions into a single integrated PAR element, eliminating the need for separate high voltage cables and specialized high voltage components. This integration significantly reduces weight while maintaining high power transmission capability through the unified design.
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
The integrated PAR system achieves high efficiency, compactness, and light weight, with improved pointing agility and effective radiated power, while minimizing power losses and handling issues, making it suitable for vehicle-based non-lethal counter-electronic missions.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive power coupling and impedance matching element... the capacitive coupler excludes dielectric material
Implementation Method 2
cavity combiner providing electromagnetic communication with the capacitive coupler and an antenna
Implementation Method 3
capacitive power coupling and impedance matching element
Data Source
AI summary
A power amplifying radiator is disclosed that includes an electric field receiver or radiofrequency (RF) energy coupling and impedance matching element, a capacitive coupler, a cavity combiner including a coaxial-cavity section providing electromagnetic communication with the capacitive coupler, and a phased-array antenna/one or more phased-array antennas. The RF energy coupling and impedance matching element is in electromagnetic communication with the one or more phased-array antennas via the cavity combiner. The cavity combiner includes a center conductor configured and disposed to project from the coaxial-cavity section such that the cavity combiner defines a co-axial cross-sectional configuration. The power amplifying radiator may be included within a high power microwave system.