Ring Slot Patch Radiator Structure for High-Isolation Phased Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased array antennas (PAAs) suffer from low isolation between the antenna feed structure and the RF distribution layer, leading to feedback issues as the size and power of the antenna array increase.
Innovation Solution
The use of stacked dielectric layers separated by low-dielectric foam layers, combined with a microstrip square ring patch radiator and a ring slot design, provides high isolation and reduces resonance frequency, along with a unique feed structure that includes dual feed lines and a conductive fence or via fence to enhance signal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the size and power of the antenna array are increased, then the radiation capability and coverage are improved, but feedback issues arise due to low isolation between antenna feed structure and RF distribution layer
Solution Approach 1:
A foam layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the antenna feed structure and the RF distribution layer. This foam layer acts as a mediator that provides electrical isolation and prevents feedback issues while allowing the antenna array to operate at higher power levels without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar two-dimensional antenna feed structure to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. By adding the vertical dimension with multiple dielectric layers and foam separation, the design achieves higher isolation between feed and distribution layers, enabling increased power operation without feedback problems.
2Volume of moving object
If a microstrip square ring patch radiator is used, then the resonance frequency is reduced and the outside diameter is smaller, but the isolation between antenna element and RF distribution element must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a stacked three-dimensional configuration with multiple dielectric layers and foam separation to achieve high isolation between the compact microstrip square ring patch radiator and the RF distribution element. This vertical separation in the third dimension maintains reliability while keeping the horizontal footprint small.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures including stacked dielectric layers combined with foam material. This composite approach provides both mechanical support and electrical isolation, enabling compact antenna element design while maintaining the required isolation from RF distribution elements.
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 design achieves high-quality antenna performance over wide frequency bandwidth and large scan volumes with dual-linear or circular polarizations, reducing integration costs and complexity while maintaining RF performance without mechanical moving parts.
Implementation Method 1
a foam layer disposed between the top section and the bottom section, the foam layer to separate the ring patch from the ring slot
Implementation Method 2
the ring patch having a center cutout hole to reduce a resonance frequency of the ring patch
Implementation Method 3
two electrical feed lines, wherein the electrical feed lines are 90-degrees out of phase
Data Source
AI summary
Antenna elements include a metallic square ring patch and a metallic square ring slot to transmit or receive radio frequency (RF) signals. The antenna elements use several dielectric layers that are separated by a low-dielectric foam layer upon which the square ring patch is positioned. The antenna elements may be arranged into an antenna array that is tunable to collectively generate or receive RF signals to and from airborne and mobile vehicles with an agile, electronically scanning antenna array beam, with no moving parts. The antenna array includes a top section to communicate RF signals; a bottom section to generate a desired RF signal; and a foam layer between the top and bottom sections to separate the ring patch from the ring slot. High isolation between the top section and the bottom section allows the antenna elements to be used in higher gain and high-power arrays without adverse feedback issues.