Rotating Direction-Finder Antenna for Broadband Phase Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing direction-finding antenna systems are limited to a narrow bandwidth and require calibration, leading to ambiguity in determining the direction of signal origin.
Innovation Solution
A direction-finding antenna system with a rotatable platform hosting multiple antenna units, which collects electromagnetic signals and determines direction using phase differences between these units, allowing operation over a broad frequency band without calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a typical phased array antenna system is used, then direction finding capability is provided, but the system requires calibration and is limited to narrow bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by rotating the antenna array structure during operation. The rotatable platform changes the spatial configuration of antenna elements dynamically, enabling broadband direction finding without calibration. The rotation allows the system to collect signal phase information from multiple angular positions, eliminating the need for precise static calibration while expanding operational bandwidth.
2Measurement precision
If multiple antenna units are positioned at fixed locations, then phase difference measurement is enabled, but ambiguity occurs in determining signal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by rotating the antenna array at a controlled angular velocity. This periodic rotation allows the system to sample signal phase differences at multiple angular positions over time. By analyzing the temporal variation of phase differences during rotation, the system can uniquely determine signal direction without ambiguity, as the rotating configuration provides redundant measurement opportunities from different spatial perspectives.
3Adaptability or versatility
If antenna units are placed at larger distances, then direction finding coverage is improved, but the system form factor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a rotating compact antenna array instead of a large fixed array. The rotation enables the small antenna units to effectively scan a larger spatial coverage area over time. This dynamic approach achieves wide direction finding coverage with a compact form factor, as the rotating structure periodically presents different effective baselines to incoming signals from various directions.
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 accurate determination of signal direction, including azimuth and elevation, across a wide frequency range by analyzing phase differences and angular positions, reducing ambiguity and eliminating the need for calibration.
Implementation Method 1
determine data on relative phase difference between signal portions received by the different antenna units
Data Source
AI summary
A direction finder antenna system and method are described. The direction finder antenna system comprises a rotatable platform comprising at least two antenna units at selected distance between them, a motor configured for moving the rotatable platform at a motion pattern, and a signal collection circuit configured for receiving data on signal portions collected by said at least two antenna units with respect to different angular positions of said at least two antenna units. The signal collection circuit generates output data indicative of direction of origin of collected signal.