Shared-Aperture Patch Array Layout for Tx-Rx Coupling Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Antenna systems that simultaneously receive and transmit on different frequencies face interference issues due to signal coupling between transmit and receive elements, and increasing spacing to mitigate this leads to larger antenna sizes that are undesirable for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
A shared-aperture array antenna system with a planar substrate and three parallel rows of transmit and receive patches, utilizing a cylindrical reflector for mechanical adjustment and phase shifter for electronic beam steering, optimized for circularly-polarized or dual-polarized signals, with specific sizing and positioning of elements for K- and Ka-bands, and employing sequential and half-sequential rotation feeding schemes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If separate transmit and receive elements are used with increased spacing to mitigate signal coupling, then interference between transmit and receive elements is reduced, but the size of the antenna system becomes larger than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines transmit and receive elements into a shared aperture array where both functions operate within the same physical space. The array elements serve dual purposes as both transmit and receive elements, eliminating the need for separate spaced-apart transmit and receive arrays. This merging approach maintains interference mitigation while achieving compact dimensions suitable for practical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional spacing problem to a multi-dimensional solution by arranging elements in a two-dimensional array configuration. The shared aperture array utilizes spatial distribution across multiple dimensions (rows and columns) to achieve both interference mitigation and compact size, rather than relying solely on increased one-dimensional spacing between separate transmit and receive elements.
2Area of stationary object
If separate transmit and receive elements are used with close spacing to maintain compact size, then antenna system size is reduced, but signal coupling between transmit and receive elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic beamforming techniques where the phase and amplitude of signals across the array elements are dynamically adjusted. This allows the system to maintain compact spacing while actively controlling and mitigating signal coupling effects through adaptive signal processing. The dynamic control of element excitation patterns enables interference reduction without requiring increased physical spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the array elements, specifically utilizing different frequency bands for transmit and receive operations (e.g., Ka-band for transmit, K-band for receive). This frequency separation, combined with appropriate element sizing and positioning, allows compact spacing while reducing interference. The parameter changes in frequency operation and element characteristics enable both compact size and interference mitigation.
Data Source
AI summary
Various arrangements of transmit and receive shared-aperture array antenna systems are presented herein. The arrangements can include an antenna that includes: a planar substrate; a first row of a first plurality of transmit patches arranged on the planar substrate; a second row of a plurality of receive patches arranged on the planar substrate; and a third row of a second plurality of transmit patches arranged on the planar substrate.