Ridge Waveguide Array Antenna Grating Lobe Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Array antenna apparatuses with rectangular waveguides require large outer dimensions due to their design, leading to undesired grating lobes when the spacing between antennas is one or more wavelengths of the electromagnetic waves, affecting efficiency and size.
Innovation Solution
The use of ridge waveguides with internal protrusions in the array antenna apparatus reduces the dimensions of the waveguides, allowing for closer antenna spacing and minimizing grating lobes by altering the waveguide shape to reduce the cutoff frequency and waveguide dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rectangular waveguides are used, then the waveguide structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the outer dimensions become large leading to grating lobes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the waveguide structure from a simple rectangular cross-section to a ridge waveguide configuration with internal protrusions. This structural parameter change reduces the effective electromagnetic wave path length and allows for smaller outer dimensions while maintaining the desired frequency characteristics and reducing grating lobe formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ridge waveguide introduces internal geometric features (protrusions/ridges) that alter the electromagnetic field distribution within the waveguide. These internal curvatures and irregularities modify the wave propagation characteristics, enabling compact dimensions while controlling the radiation pattern to minimize grating lobes.
2Ease of manufacture
If waveguide spacing is one or more wavelengths, then manufacturing and arrangement is simplified, but grating lobes occur causing reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The ridge waveguide structure changes the electrical characteristics of the antenna elements, allowing for sub-wavelength spacing while maintaining proper impedance matching and radiation characteristics. This parameter change enables closer spacing that prevents grating lobe formation while preserving manufacturing simplicity.
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
This configuration results in a compact array antenna apparatus with reduced grating lobes and improved efficiency by allowing antenna spacing less than one wavelength, enhancing performance and size constraints.
Implementation Method 1
the first waveguide is a ridge waveguide having a first protrusion formed inside, and the second waveguide is a ridge waveguide having a second protrusion formed inside
Data Source
AI summary
Waveguide slot array antennas each having slots, that transmit or receive electromagnetic waves and that are formed in a front surface of a waveguide and waveguide slot array antennas each having slots that transmit or receive electromagnetic waves and that are formed in a front surface of a waveguide, and the waveguide slot array antennas and the waveguide slot array antennas are alternately arranged, the waveguide is a ridge waveguide having a ridge formed inside the waveguide, and the waveguide is a ridge waveguide having ridges, formed inside the waveguide.