Shared Transmit/Receive Module for Phased Array Beam Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
High power microwave antennas for airport protection require multiple phased array systems to cover all directions, which is costly and inefficient due to the need for high power switching, making conventional systems infeasible for large-scale applications.
Innovation Solution
A shared transmit/receive module for multiple phased array apertures uses a low power switch with high power amplifiers and couplers to efficiently switch and distribute high power microwave energy between apertures, reducing costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple phased array systems are used to cover all directions for airport protection, then coverage capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a shared transmit/receive module that can be dynamically allocated to different phased array apertures. The single module serves multiple functions by switching between feeding different apertures, eliminating the need for dedicated modules for each aperture. This multi-functional approach reduces system complexity and cost while maintaining the capability to cover multiple directions through aperture switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple phased array apertures into a single system that shares common transmit/receive modules, power amplifiers, and switching infrastructure. By merging previously separate systems into one integrated platform with dynamic aperture assignment, the system achieves comprehensive coverage without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Speed
If high power microwave switching is implemented for aperture switching, then beam switching capability is improved, but cost and technical difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a low-power switching module as an intermediary between the control system and high-power amplifiers. This low-power switch controls the routing of high-power microwave signals without directly handling the high power itself. The intermediary switch isolates the complexity of high-power switching from the control system, reducing technical difficulty and cost while maintaining rapid beam switching capability through electronic control.
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 solution allows for cost-effective coverage of multiple directions with high power microwave energy, enabling efficient and rapid beam switching between phased array apertures, addressing the cost and feasibility issues of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier, each adapted to amplify the microwave signal to a high power level
Implementation Method 2
a first circulator and a second circulator, each adapted to direct a high power microwave signal received from the aperture toward a receiving module
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 1(c)~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A high power amplifier module having a first coupler for directing input power to two paths, amplifier disposed in each path, and a second coupler for combining the outputs of the two amplifiers. More specifically, the module further includes a switch connected to the first coupler. Each coupler is a 90-degree coupler that provides the combined energy output by each amplifier to a first or a second output port based on the position of the switch. The first coupler has first and second inputs, each input connected to a throw of the switch The inclusion of a variable phase shifter allows for the module to be used to drive an element of a phased array antenna. For high power applications, multiple such inventive modules may be used to drive the elements of one or more phased arrays, pointed in different directions, to provide a desired coverage pattern.