Shared Aperture Array for UAV Radar and Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar and communications systems require separate apertures and electronics, which are impractical for platforms with weight and surface area restrictions, such as UAVs, and result in delayed situational awareness due to separate data offloading processes, reducing the effectiveness of networked UAVs for distributed sensing and processing.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function shared aperture system that integrates a shared active phased array antenna subsystem with integrated electronics for transmitting and receiving both radar and communication signals, utilizing a modulator/demodulator subsystem, RF interface, and mission computer to manage beam steering and data processing, allowing for simultaneous operation within a single aperture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate radar and communications systems with separate apertures are used, then each system can operate independently with dedicated functionality, but the overall system weight and surface area increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radar and communications functions into a single shared aperture system where one antenna structure serves both radar transmission/reception and communications transmission/reception, eliminating the need for separate apertures and reducing overall system weight
Solution Approach 2:
The shared aperture is designed to perform multiple functions - it can operate as a radar aperture for sensing and as a communications aperture for data transmission, allowing a single structure to replace what would traditionally require two separate systems
2Reliability
If separate radar and communications systems with separate apertures are used, then each system has dedicated processing capabilities, but the total surface area and platform requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges radar and communications apertures into a single shared physical structure, reducing the total surface area required on the platform while maintaining both functional capabilities through time-division or frequency-division multiplexing
Solution Approach 2:
The shared aperture structure is designed to fulfill both radar and communications roles, allowing one physical aperture to replace what would traditionally require two separate apertures, thereby reducing platform surface area requirements
3Reliability
If separate radar and communications systems are used, then each system can process its own data independently, but data offloading time increases and real-time situational awareness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges radar and communications data processing into a single integrated processing pipeline where data from the shared aperture is processed once and can be immediately distributed to both radar and communications functions, eliminating the need for separate processing chains and reducing latency
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 real-time situational awareness and efficient data processing by consolidating radar and communication functions within a single system, reducing weight and size while improving networked UAV capabilities for distributed sensing and collaboration.
Implementation Method 1
a phased array antenna comprising a plurality of radiators communicating electromagnetically via the single antenna aperture
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-function radio frequency (RF) system may include a shared phased array antenna subsystem for transmitting and receiving radar signals and communications signals. The system may also include an integrated electronics package configured for controlling operation of the shared phased array antenna subsystem. The integrated electronics package may include a modulator/demodulator subsystem. The modulator/demodulator subsystem may include a radar module that is selectively coupled to the shared phased array antenna subsystem for transmitting and receiving radar signals. The radar module is configured to transmit and receive radar signals through the shared phased array antenna subsystem. The modulator/demodulator subsystem may also include a communications module that is selectively coupled to the shared phased array antenna subsystem for transmitting and receiving communications signals. The communications module is configured to transmit and receive communications signals through the shared phased array antenna subsystem.