Rotating Phased Array Antenna Stacked Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar systems face challenges in achieving cost-effective performance due to their complexity, requiring high development and operational costs, and existing architectures are inefficient in terms of T/R modules and antenna design, limiting flexibility and capability.
Innovation Solution
A radar system architecture featuring a rotating array antenna with dispersive rows of radiating elements, coupled with digital processors for generating and processing radar waveforms, utilizing digital beam forming and maximum likelihood estimation to reduce Doppler and range ambiguities, and enabling multiple radar applications simultaneously with reduced T/R modules and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional radar architectures are used, then radar function is achieved, but development and operational costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple radar functions (search, track, weather monitoring) into a single integrated phased array radar system. The unified architecture merges T/R modules, signal processing chains, and antenna elements into one cohesive system, eliminating the need for separate radar systems and reducing overall complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The phased array radar system is designed to perform multiple radar applications simultaneously using a single system. The same antenna array and T/R modules can be electronically reconfigured to perform air traffic control, weather monitoring, and target tracking functions, making the system universal and multi-functional.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radar applications are implemented separately, then each application performs its function, but the number of T/R modules and antenna faces increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single phased array radar system is designed to handle multiple radar applications (air traffic control, weather monitoring, target tracking) simultaneously. The system uses one set of T/R modules and one antenna face that can be electronically reconfigured through phase and amplitude control to serve different functional requirements, eliminating the need for multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system dynamically reconfigures its beam patterns, scan rates, and operational parameters to adapt between different applications. The phase shifters and amplitude controllers allow real-time adjustment of the antenna radiation patterns, enabling the same hardware to optimize performance for different radar modes without physical reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If conventional antenna designs are used, then antenna function is achieved, but flexibility and capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The phased array antenna system uses electronic phase control to dynamically steer and shape radar beams without moving the physical antenna structure. The phase shifters in each T/R module allow real-time adjustment of beam direction, width, and shape, providing flexible and adaptive antenna characteristics that can be changed instantly to meet different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system changes its operational parameters (beam direction, beam width, scan rate, frequency) through electronic control of phase shifters and amplitude modulators. This allows the same physical antenna to produce different radiation patterns and perform different functions by simply changing electrical parameters rather than physical configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A radar system uses a rotating antenna array having rows that display dispersive properties while feeding multiple radiating elements. In some embodiments, the radiating elements are dual polarized. In at least one embodiment, beam spoiling may be used to generate an unfocused transmit beam that covers an entire elevation range of interest. Digital beam forming may be used during a receive mode to achieve a stack of narrow-width receive beams in elevation. Frequency scanning may also be used to achieve stacked beams in azimuth.