Sidelobe-Controlled Antenna Assembly Using Resistive Feed Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a cost-effective antenna assembly that can efficiently reduce sidelobes, particularly in aerospace applications where antennas are mounted on non-planar surfaces of small aircraft, requiring lightweight and low-drag designs with minimal visibility, and existing active electronically steerable antennas are costly and power-intensive.
Innovation Solution
The antenna assembly incorporates a microstrip feed network with resistors disposed proximate to antenna elements, particularly at the periphery and corners, to control sidelobes, using printed resistive elements embedded within the network, which reduces power supplied to outer antenna elements and thereby suppresses sidelobes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If active electronically steerable antennas are used to reduce sidelobes, then sidelobe control is improved, but power consumption and cost increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing resistors only at specific locations (corners and periphery) of the antenna array rather than uniformly across all elements. This localized approach suppresses sidelobes generated by edge elements while maintaining full power to central elements, achieving sidelobe control without the substantial power consumption of AESA systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (impedance) at specific antenna element locations by introducing resistors. This modifies the power distribution across the array, reducing power to peripheral elements and thereby suppressing sidelobes without requiring complex electronic steering mechanisms.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If active electronically steerable antennas are used to reduce sidelobes, then sidelobe control is improved, but cost increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses local quality by implementing a simple resistor network at specific antenna locations rather than complex AESA electronics across all elements. This dramatically reduces manufacturing cost while achieving the desired sidelobe suppression effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive AESA components with inexpensive resistors that can be easily integrated into the feed network. These passive resistive elements are much cheaper than active electronic steering components while achieving the functional goal of sidelobe control.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If resistors are added to the microstrip feed network to control sidelobes, then sidelobe suppression is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sidelobe control function directly into the existing microstrip feed network by integrating resistors into the power distribution paths. This combines feeding and sidelobe suppression into a single integrated structure rather than adding separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistor network passively suppresses sidelobes through its inherent resistive properties without requiring external control signals or active components. The structure serves itself by using the natural power distribution and resistive loading to achieve sidelobe control.
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 effectively suppresses sidelobes by reducing power levels to specific antenna elements, achieving a significant reduction in sidelobe levels while maintaining desired gain patterns and minimizing polarization loss, as demonstrated by the comparison of antenna assemblies with and without resistors.
Implementation Method 1
The resistor(s) are configured to control sidelobes of the antenna assembly. The resistor(s) may be printed resistive elements embedded within the antenna assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna assembly includes a plurality of antenna elements, a microstrip feed network that is configured to supply power to the plurality of antenna elements, and one or more resistors disposed within the microstrip feed network proximate to one or more of the plurality of antenna elements. The resistors are configured to control sidelobes of the antenna assembly.