Radiating Cell with Switching Means for Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmitter array antennas face challenges in controlling the radiation pattern due to narrow passband and high losses, particularly in achieving a wide passband and efficient phase control without increasing complexity or component count.
Innovation Solution
A radiating cell design featuring two planar antennas on either side of a ground plane with switching means, such as diodes, that can be controlled to be in phase opposition, allowing for efficient phase control and wide passband operation by alternating the on/off states of the switching means, thereby enabling flexible radiation pattern configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If resonators are used to ensure electromagnetic coupling between slots, then phase control is achieved, but the passband becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the resonators from the structure and replaces them with direct electromagnetic coupling between slots through the ground plane. This removal of resonators eliminates the narrow passband limitation while maintaining phase control capability through the switching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground plane serves as an intermediary structure that enables direct electromagnetic coupling between slots on opposite sides. This mediator allows phase control without requiring resonators, thereby achieving wide passband operation while maintaining ease of phase control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switching means are added to control phase states, then radiation pattern control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple switching means into a single integrated switching mechanism that controls the electromagnetic coupling between slots. This merging approach achieves radiation pattern control without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the switching elements are embedded within the compact slot structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching means serve multiple functions simultaneously: they control phase states, adjust coupling strength, and enable radiation pattern reconfiguration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each control function, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If resonators are used for phase control, then transmission phase can be adjusted, but transmission losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes resonators from the structure and replaces them with direct slot-to-slot coupling through the ground plane. This extraction eliminates the inherent losses associated with resonator structures while maintaining phase adjustment capability through the switching mechanism that controls coupling strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical resonator-based phase control system with an electromagnetic field-based coupling system. This substitution reduces losses by eliminating the resonator structures that inherently dissipate energy, while maintaining phase control through electronic switching of the coupling paths.
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 achieves a wide passband of up to 15-20% and low transmission losses, allowing for efficient and flexible control of the radiation pattern, simplifying implementation and reducing component complexity while maintaining low attenuation.
Implementation Method 1
A radiating cell for forming an antenna integratable into an array and able to transmit microwave frequency signals comprises a first radiating element and a second radiating element arranged on either side of a ground plane
Implementation Method 2
the second radiating element comprising at least one conducting surface able to radiate
Data Source
AI summary
A radiating cell having two phase states suitable for a transmitter array able to transmit microwave frequency signals, the cell comprising a first antenna and a second antenna arranged on either side of an assembly comprising two substrate layers separated by a ground plane, the second antenna comprising a conducting element able to radiate, the cell comprising comprises at least two switching means, said means each comprising an on state and an off state between two ports, one of said ports being connected to the second radiating element, said switching means being controlled in opposition. The radiating cell applies notably to the implementation of transmitter arrays employing several configurable cells to control the radiation pattern.