Reconfigurable Antenna Array With Switchable Port Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna arrays do not optimally utilize the available radiating surface, limiting the number of excitable antennas and geometric shapes due to fixed radiating elements and non-reconfigurable excitation locations.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable antenna array with identical elementary unit cells, each having at least four ports, and a reconfigurable switching circuit to generate three distinct connection states between ports, allowing modular excitation and configuration for multiple radiation patterns, including frequency and polarization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed radiating elements and non-reconfigurable excitation locations are used, then the antenna array structure is simple, but the number of excitable antennas and geometric shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements reconfigurable excitation locations that can be dynamically switched between different positions within the antenna array. This allows the same physical structure to generate multiple geometric shapes and antenna configurations by changing the excitation positions, thereby improving adaptability without adding physical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array is designed with multiple excitation ports that can serve different functions. Each port can be used to excite different geometric shapes and antenna patterns, making the single array structure universal for multiple applications and configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the radiating surface is not optimally utilized, then the antenna array structure is simple, but the number of excitable antennas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is divided into multiple elementary unit cells, each with its own excitation port. This segmentation allows independent control of each unit, enabling optimal utilization of the entire radiating surface by selectively exciting different combinations of unit cells to form various antenna configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the excitation capability from a single position to multiple positions across the two-dimensional array surface. By distributing excitation ports throughout the array and enabling selective activation, the system optimizes the utilization of the radiating surface area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single excitation location is used, then the antenna array is simple, but frequency reconfigurability and multi-antenna compatibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables frequency reconfigurability by changing the excitation parameters - specifically, by selecting different excitation ports and adjusting their positions. This allows the same physical array to operate across multiple frequency bands and support different antenna modes without changing the physical structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable antenna array including a plurality of identical elementary unit cells, each unit cell having at least one symmetry and being a square unit cell, and including a radiating element having at least four ports distributed in pairs on either side of each median on one side of a unit cell, the antenna array additionally including a reconfigurable switching circuit configured to generate three distinct connection states between each port of each pair of facing ports, each port of a pair belonging to two distinct elementary unit cells that are vertically stacked or horizontally adjacent within the antenna array.