Reconfigurable Time Delay Units for Phased Array Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased array antennas require custom-designed time delay units, which are expensive, non-reconfigurable, and have long lead times, making it difficult to support multiple time delay level requirements.
Innovation Solution
A phased array antenna with reconfigurable time delay units that include a circuit substrate with multiple delay circuits coupled in series, and external bypass connections to configure overall time delays, allowing for interchangeable configurations between high and low delay levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom-designed time delay units are used for each time delay level requirement, then the phased array antenna can support multiple time delay levels, but the cost increases and lead times lengthen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single time delay unit that can perform multiple functions - supporting both high and low time delay levels through reconfigurable delay circuits. The unit uses switches to dynamically reconfigure the signal path, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different time delay requirements without requiring separate custom-designed units for each level, thereby reducing cost and lead time while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through reconfigurable delay circuits that can change their configuration in real-time. Switches are used to dynamically reconfigure the signal path between different delay circuits, enabling the time delay unit to adapt its characteristics based on operational requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows a single unit to replace multiple static custom-designed units
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple custom time delay unit designs are created to support different time delay level requirements, then all requirements are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by creating a universal time delay unit design that handles multiple time delay level requirements. Instead of maintaining separate custom designs for high and low delay levels, the universal unit uses reconfigurable delay circuits and switches to accommodate all requirements through a single standardized design, simplifying the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the time delay function into modular reconfigurable delay circuits that can be selectively activated. The signal path is segmented into multiple delay stages, and switches enable selective connection of these segments based on the required time delay level, allowing a single unit to replace multiple monolithic custom designs
Data Source
AI summary
A phased array antenna may include an antenna substrate, an array of antenna elements carried by the antenna substrate, and time delay units (TDUs) coupled to the array of antenna element. Each time delay unit may include a circuit substrate, and delay circuits carried by the circuit substrate and coupled in series. Each delay circuit may have a respective signal delay value. At least one external bypass connection is carried by the circuit substrate and is coupled to the delay circuits to configure an overall time delay of the time delay unit.