Quasi-Optical Beamformer for Ka-Band Antenna Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems for satellite communications in the Ka band face challenges in achieving compact, low-energy, and efficient multidirectional scanning while maintaining high performance, particularly in constrained platforms like aerial platforms, due to bulky motorized systems and high energy consumption of active electronically scanned arrays.
Innovation Solution
A beam pointing device utilizing a planar quasi-optical beamformer with a parallel plate waveguide and mechanical translation elements allows for compact, frequency-stable, and energy-efficient multidirectional scanning, combining mechanical and electronic pointing capabilities to orient radiating elements without the need for a mechanical axis, using a network of radiating elements with dual-frequency and dual-polarization capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a motorized system is used to move the antenna system along a mechanical axis, then multidirectional scanning capability is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and limits platform integration options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the motorized mechanical axis system with a planar quasi-optical beamformer that uses electronic phase and amplitude control to achieve beam steering. The beamformer comprises a network of radiating elements whose phases are controlled electronically, eliminating the need for physical antenna movement and bulky mechanical structures while maintaining multidirectional scanning capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an active electronically scanned array (AESA) is implemented for stationary multidirectional scanning, then scanning capability is achieved, but energy consumption and heat dissipation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into a planar quasi-optical beamformer with a network of radiating elements that are selectively activated. Instead of powering the entire array simultaneously, only the necessary subset of elements is activated for each scanning direction, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining scanning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by activating only the portion of the radiating element network needed for the current scanning direction rather than the full array. This reduces energy consumption and heat dissipation while still achieving the required multidirectional scanning performance.
3Reliability
If dual polarization is implemented with separate antenna panels for transmission and reception, then communication performance is improved, but mass and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmission and reception functions into a single planar quasi-optical beamformer structure with a network of radiating elements. The same radiating elements are used for both transmitting and receiving signals, eliminating the need for separate antenna panels and reducing overall system mass while maintaining dual-polarization communication performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiating elements in the patent serve multiple functions: they can transmit signals, receive signals, and operate in both polarization modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate panels for transmission and reception, reducing the overall mass and size of the antenna system.
4Measurement precision
If electronic phase and amplitude control elements are added to the source, then beam orientation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameters from purely mechanical (physical antenna movement) to electromagnetic (phase and amplitude control). By adjusting the phase and amplitude of signals fed to individual radiating elements, precise beam orientation is achieved without complex mechanical systems, as the control is implemented through electrical signal manipulation rather than physical actuation.
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 solution enables a compact, energy-efficient, and frequency-stable antenna system capable of multidirectional scanning with reduced bulk and energy consumption, maintaining high performance and stability across the Ka band frequencies, suitable for constrained platforms.
Implementation Method 1
the planar quasi-optical beamformer comprising a waveguide with parallel plates
Implementation Method 2
at least one mechanical translation element suitable for moving, relative to one another, said at least one power source and at least one focusing element of said planar quasi-optical beamformer according to a translational movement perpendicular to the direction in which the array of radiating elements is supplied by the source
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a beam pointing device (DP) for a telecommunications antenna system, the device comprising: - at least one power source (16) suitable for generating radio frequency waves, - a planar quasi-optical beam former (10) whose input is suitable for being supplied by said at least one source and whose output is suitable for supplying an array of radiating elements (18), - said array of radiating elements (18), the device (DP) further comprising at least one mechanical translation element (ETM) suitable for moving, relative to each other, said at least one power source (16) and at least one focusing element (14) of said planar quasi-optical beam former (10) in a translational movement (T) perpendicular to the direction (D) of supplying the array of radiating elements (18) by the source (16).