Series Array Antenna with Capacitive Power Distributor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional array antennas face issues with null formation and power loss in wide-angle radiation patterns, and existing technologies struggle to maintain radiation efficiency and symmetry in wide-angle detection applications.
Innovation Solution
The proposed array antenna device features a dielectric substrate with series array antennas connected by conductor lines, a power distributor via capacitive coupling in a separate layer, and a phase adjuster to optimize power distribution and phase adjustment, eliminating terminating resistors and reducing nulls and side lobes, while maintaining high radiation efficiency and symmetry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a T-branched line is used to constitute a power feeding circuit, then the structure is simple, but power distribution characteristics deviate from desired values and radiation characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A directional coupler is introduced as an intermediary component between the power source and radiation elements to replace the simple T-branched line. This directional coupler acts as a mediator that properly distributes power to multiple radiation elements while maintaining desired power distribution characteristics and preventing deterioration of radiation characteristics.
2Ease of operation
If a directional coupler is used for power distribution, then power distribution is achieved, but power loss occurs due to terminating means and unnecessary radiations affect antenna characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful terminating means is extracted and removed from the system. Instead of using traditional terminating resistors that cause power loss, the patent employs a directional coupler configuration that distributes power to radiation elements without requiring termination, thereby eliminating the associated power losses and unnecessary radiations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If radiation elements are arranged for wide angle detection, then detection range increases, but nulls occur between specific directions and beam formation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic phase control through the directional coupler to adjust the phase relationships between multiple radiation elements. By dynamically controlling the phase and amplitude of signals fed to each element, the system can form continuous beams across wide angle ranges without creating nulls, maintaining reliable radiation patterns while expanding detection coverage.
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 configuration enables wide-angle radiation patterns without nulls, improved radiation efficiency, and simplified directivity adjustment, making it suitable for radar applications with enhanced gain characteristics and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a distributor distributing power via capacitive coupling to the two or more series array antennas
Data Source
AI summary
[Object] To provide an antenna device which has a radiation pattern of wide angle, does not generate nulls in the vicinity of a front of an antenna, and has a high radiation efficiency.[Organization] An array antenna device 1 having a plurality of radiation elements has: a dielectric substrate 2; two or more series array antennas 10, 20 which are formed on the dielectric substrate and to which the plurality of radiation elements 11 to 13, 21 to 23 are connected in series by conductor lines 15, 25; a distributor 30 formed in a layer different from a layer of the dielectric substrate where the series array antennas are formed, the distributor distributing power via capacitive coupling to the two or more series array antennas; and a phase adjuster (conductor lines 34 to 37) adjusting a phase of power distributed by the distributor.