Dual-Polarized Septum Polarizer Array for Compact Low-Loss Feed Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Antenna arrays with waveguide feed networks face challenges in environments where space and weight are limited due to increasing complexity, cost, and size, which can degrade performance, especially in applications requiring significant bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
The use of dual-polarized parallel plate septum polarizers formed by alternating parallel plates with septums that create divided waveguides for two polarizations, allowing for stacked arrays without separating walls, and incorporating circuit cards and beam forming networks for active or passive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If waveguide feed networks are used to provide equal amplitude and phase to all antenna elements, then bandwidth performance is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide feed network is segmented into modular units with standardized interfaces. Each module contains a subset of antenna elements fed by its own waveguide section, allowing the overall system to be built by repeating and combining these basic units. This segmentation reduces the complexity of designing and manufacturing large-scale feed networks while maintaining consistent amplitude and phase distribution across all elements.
2Loss of energy
If waveguide feed networks are used to ensure low loss transmission, then signal quality is improved, but weight and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feed network structure is merged with the antenna element mounting structure. Waveguide sections are integrated directly into the support framework that holds the antenna elements, eliminating the need for separate, heavy feed network enclosures and mounting hardware. This merging maintains the low-loss waveguide transmission path while significantly reducing overall weight and space consumption.
3Loss of energy
If waveguide feed networks are used to maintain low loss, then transmission efficiency is improved, but inter-element distance is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The feed network transitions from a planar two-dimensional layout to a three-dimensional folded configuration. Waveguide sections are bent and routed in multiple dimensions to reach antenna elements spaced at optimal distances, allowing inter-element spacing to be determined by performance requirements rather than feed network geometry constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for a dual-polarized antenna array are described. An example antenna array may include a parallel plate polarizer that may include upper and lower plates. The antenna array may include stepped septums extending between the plates, each of the stepped septums having a first and second side surfaces, the stepped septums comprising first and second sets that are inverted relative to each other. The antenna array may include a first divided waveguides associated with a first polarization that may have a first set of opposing walls formed by first portions of the upper and lower plates and a second set of opposing walls. The antenna array may include second divided waveguides associated with a second polarization that may have a first set of opposing walls formed by second portions of the upper and lower plates and a second set of opposing walls.