Rotatable Phase Control Element in Waveguide Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phase-controlled antenna elements for GHz frequency ranges suffer from significant signal loss, increased dimensions, high costs, and inability to precisely control and determine phase positions, leading to inefficient antenna arrays with limited precision and temperature dependency.
Innovation Solution
A phase-controlled antenna element integrating a rotatable phase control element with polarizers and a drive unit within a waveguide emitter, allowing for continuous and precise phase adjustment independent of wave impedance, with minimal losses and economic implementation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional phase control elements (solid state, MEMS, liquid crystal) are used, then phase control function is achieved, but signal loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the phase control function from separate phase shifters and integrates it directly into the antenna radiating elements. By incorporating phase control capabilities within the antenna elements themselves rather than using external phase control components, the system eliminates the signal losses that occur in separate phase control stages while maintaining precise phase control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the phase control function with the antenna radiation function into a single integrated structure. The phase control elements are combined with the radiating elements so that phase adjustment and signal radiation occur within the same component, eliminating the need for separate phase control pathways and reducing overall signal loss.
2Ease of operation
If conventional phase control elements are accommodated in feed networks, then phase control is achieved, but antenna array dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the phase control elements with the antenna radiating elements into a single integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for separate phase control components in the feed network, thereby reducing the overall dimensions and area occupied by the antenna array while preserving full phase control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna radiating elements are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: radiation and phase control. By making the radiating elements universal components that handle both signal transmission and phase adjustment, the system eliminates the need for additional dedicated phase control components, thus reducing the overall array dimensions.
3Ease of operation
If conventional phase control elements are used, then phase control function is provided, but antenna array weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges phase control elements with antenna radiating elements into integrated structures. This combination eliminates the need for separate phase control components that would add weight to the antenna array, while maintaining the necessary phase control function through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiating elements are designed as universal components that perform both radiation and phase control functions. By eliminating dedicated phase control components and incorporating phase control capabilities into the radiating elements themselves, the overall weight of the antenna array is reduced while preserving full phase control functionality.
4Ease of operation
If solid state phase shifters with nonlinear components are used, then phase control is achieved, but amplitude relation determination becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the nonlinear components from the phase control system and replaces them with linear phase control mechanisms integrated into the antenna elements. By removing the nonlinear components that prevent accurate amplitude determination, the system maintains phase control capability while enabling precise measurement of amplitude relations.
5Ease of operation
If binary phase shifters (MEMS) are used, then phase control is achieved in discrete steps, but continuous precise orientation of antenna diagram is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous phase control capability in the integrated antenna elements, replacing discrete binary phase shifting with continuous phase adjustment mechanisms. This dynamic phase control allows for precise continuous orientation of the antenna diagram while maintaining the phase control function through the integrated design.
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
Enables exact phase control and determination of signals with minimal losses, reduced size, and cost-effectiveness, maintaining high antenna efficiency and precision across GHz frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
A phase-controlled antenna element may include an antenna emitter (1), such as a waveguide emitter, which is provided with a coupler (7), such as a signal output injection and input injection, into which a rotatable phase control element (2) is introduced
Data Source
AI summary
A phase-controlled antenna element includes a waveguide emitter with signal output or signal injection, into which a rotatable phase control element is introduced, and a drive unit. The phase control element comprises in this case a holder, at least two polarizers which are fastened to the holder, and a connecting element. Each of the at least two polarizers can convert a circularly polarized signal into a linearly polarized signal. The phase control element is rotatably fitted in the waveguide emitter and is connected to the drive unit with the aid of the connecting element in such a manner that the drive unit can rotate the phase control element about the axis of the waveguide emitter.