RF Phased-Array Antenna Layout for Drone Source Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current counter-drone technologies, such as radar arrays, are clunky, expensive, and ineffective in detecting autonomous drones, lacking the ability to accurately determine the location of radio-emitting sources like drones in various frequency ranges.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency (RF) phased-array detector system comprising multiple vertical and horizontal antennas, a multiplexer module, and a processor, which combines signals from these antennas to determine the azimuth and elevation of radio-emitting sources, enabling effective detection and tracking of drones across different frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radar arrays are used for counter-drone detection, then detection capability is provided, but the system becomes bulky, expensive, and ineffective against autonomous drones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical radar arrays with an RF phased-array detector system that uses electronic beamforming. The system substitutes complex mechanical scanning structures with electronically controlled antenna arrays, where beam direction is changed by adjusting phase differences between antenna elements rather than physically moving components. This reduces system bulkiness and cost while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the detection system by using RF signals across multiple frequency ranges instead of traditional radar frequencies. The system adjusts the phase and amplitude parameters of signals received by individual antenna elements to electronically steer beams and form radiation patterns, enabling effective detection of autonomous drones without requiring bulky mechanical structures.
2Reliability
If traditional radar arrays are used, then detection is provided, but the ability to accurately determine location of radio-emitting sources in various frequency ranges is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple vertically-oriented antenna elements arranged in an array. Each antenna element independently receives RF signals, and the system processes signals from individual elements to determine the direction of arrival. This segmentation enables accurate location determination by comparing phase differences between signals received at different antenna positions across various frequency ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF phased-array detector system is designed to detect radio-emitting sources across multiple frequency ranges simultaneously. The antenna array and signal processing system are configured to handle diverse RF signals, making the system universal in its ability to detect different types of radio emissions and accurately determine source locations regardless of frequency.
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 RF phased-array detector system provides accurate location information of radio-emitting sources, enhancing drone detection capabilities and improving the effectiveness of counter-drone technology without the need for bulky and costly radar arrays.
Implementation Method 1
each of the vertical antennas is configured to obtain a first input signal in response to a wireless signal from a radio-emitting source. The horizontal antenna array includes a plurality of horizontal antennas, and each of the horizontal antennas is configured to obtain a second input signal in response to the wireless signal
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency (RF) phased-array detector includes a vertical antenna array, a horizontal antenna array, a multiplexer module and a processor. The vertical antenna array includes a plurality of vertical antennas, and each of the vertical antennas is configured to obtain a first input signal in response to a wireless signal from a radio-emitting source. The horizontal antenna array includes a plurality of horizontal antennas, and each of the horizontal antennas is configured to obtain a second input signal in response to the wireless signal. The multiplexer module is configured to provide a plurality of third input signals selected from the first input signals and the second input signals. The processor is configured to obtain azimuth and elevation of the radio-emitting source according to the third input signals.