Reconfigurable Radar Antenna for Direction Finding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern radar systems on size-constrained platforms, such as UAVs, face challenges in accommodating multiple antenna functions due to limited space, as conventional directional antennas are not suitable for direction finding applications which require different architectures and radiation patterns.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional reconfigurable radar system with an array of end-fire radiating elements and subarrays, utilizing a reconfigurable RF switching network to selectively activate elements for operation as either a directional antenna or a direction finding interferometer, allowing shared hardware resources for various functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate DF interferometer antenna array is added to provide direction finding capability, then direction finding function is achieved, but the number of antenna systems and platform space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single antenna array to perform both directional transmission/reception and direction finding functions. The antenna array can be dynamically reconfigured through RF switching between a sum channel mode for conventional directional operations and a difference channel mode for interferometer-based direction finding, eliminating the need for separate dedicated antenna systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the use of RF switching networks that dynamically reconfigure the antenna array connections in real-time. The system can switch between different operational modes (directional antenna mode and DF interferometer mode) by changing the RF switch states, allowing the same physical antenna array to adapt its configuration based on the required function.
2Ease of operation
If conventional directional antenna system is used, then directional transmission and reception is achieved, but direction finding applications cannot be supported due to different architecture requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the antenna array into multiple subarrays and creating separate sum and difference channels through RF switching. The array is segmented such that certain subsets of elements can be combined for omnidirectional sum channel operation while other subsets form difference channels for direction finding, allowing both conventional directional and DF functions from the same physical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RF switching networks as an intermediary between the antenna elements and the receivers. This intermediary component enables the antenna array to be dynamically reconfigured for different functions by switching the connection topology, allowing the same antenna structure to serve both conventional directional and direction finding purposes without requiring separate dedicated systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate antenna systems are placed on the platform to provide various functions, then functional completeness is achieved, but space constraints on size-constrained platforms are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single antenna array system that can perform multiple functions including directional transmission, directional reception, and interferometer-based direction finding. Through dynamic RF switching reconfiguration, the same physical antenna elements serve different functional roles, significantly reducing the total number of antenna systems required on space-constrained platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the directional antenna function and the direction finding interferometer function into a single integrated antenna array system. By combining the sum channel and difference channel capabilities within the same physical antenna elements and using RF switching to toggle between operational modes, the system consolidates multiple functions that would traditionally require separate antenna systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-functional reconfigurable radar system and a method for configuring such a radar system are disclosed. The multi-functional reconfigurable radar system that is operable as a directional antenna or a DF interferometer. The antenna system in accordance with the present disclosure may be installed on a size-constrained platform such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and utilized as a common shared asset aperture for intelligence-gathering, electronic countermeasure, self-protection, electronic support, electronic attack as well as direction finding and the like.