Shared Aperture Antenna Array for Dense Holographic Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna array technologies face challenges in reducing size and weight while achieving adequate sampling density for holographic imaging applications, as physical size constraints limit the ability to increase sampling density beyond half-wavelength spacing.
Innovation Solution
The shared aperture antenna array design shares elements and apertures between neighboring antennas, using phased dipole patches and a phase shifting network with single-pole-single-throw reflective switches to create additional antennas, allowing for increased sampling density and reduced physical size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential sampling and synthetic aperture techniques are used to achieve sampling density, then imaging resolution is improved, but array size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges transmit and receive antenna functions into shared aperture elements. Each antenna element serves both as transmitter and receiver, eliminating the need for separate transmit and receive arrays. This combining of functions reduces the overall array size and weight while maintaining the sampling density required for high-resolution imaging through electronic beamforming and signal processing techniques.
2Measurement precision
If physical aperture size is increased to improve sampling density, then pixel spacing is reduced, but array size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from physical spatial sampling to electronic domain sampling by implementing shared aperture elements with phased array beamforming. Instead of increasing physical aperture size to improve sampling density, the invention uses electronic phase shifting and signal processing in the frequency and spatial domains to achieve fine pixel spacing. This dimensional shift from physical to electronic sampling reduces the required array area while maintaining high imaging resolution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate transmit and receive antenna arrays are used, then polarization control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal antenna elements that perform multiple functions: transmission, reception, and polarization control. Each shared aperture element can operate as both transmit and receive antenna, and can generate multiple polarizations (circular, linear, elliptical) through phased feeding and beamforming. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate transmit and receive arrays while maintaining full polarization control capability through electronic steering and signal processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A shared aperture antenna array including an array of antennas is disclosed. Elements of neighboring antennas are shared to create additional antennas. The shared elements include radiating patches and apertures. Each antenna shares an aperture with neighboring antennas. The array of antennas may be linear or two-dimensional. A phase shifting network with single-pole-single-throw reflective switches may be coupled to the antennas.