Shielded Calibration Network for Antenna Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional calibration systems for array antennas are rigid, bulky, and suffer from significant losses, limited wavelength bands, poor signal-to-noise ratios, and polarization restrictions, leading to high coupling levels that interfere with antenna performance.
Innovation Solution
A flexible and semi-rigid calibration network using a shielded transmission line with adjustable coupling sites, allowing for low coupling levels and independent geometrical dimensions and locations that are not wavelength or polarization dependent, enabling accurate calibration of antenna arrays without direct contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional rigid calibration systems are used, then structural stability is provided, but the system becomes bulky and causes high coupling levels that interfere with antenna performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid calibration structures with flexible transmission lines that can be positioned close to antenna elements without causing high coupling interference. The flexibility allows the calibration system to adapt to different antenna configurations while maintaining low coupling levels, thus resolving the contradiction between structural stability and coupling interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary flexible transmission line between the calibration signal source and the antenna elements. This intermediary allows signal transmission while maintaining physical separation and low coupling, thereby reducing interference while still providing stable calibration functionality.
2Reliability
If direct contact between calibration system and antenna elements is made, then coupling efficiency is improved, but interference with antenna performance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible transmission line enables close proximity positioning without direct contact, achieving efficient electromagnetic coupling while avoiding the performance interference that would result from direct physical contact or rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system uses flexible, adjustable transmission lines that can be dynamically positioned to optimize coupling efficiency for different antenna configurations while maintaining low interference levels, rather than using fixed direct-contact structures.
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid calibration structures are used, then manufacturing precision is achieved, but the system lacks flexibility and adaptability for different configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible transmission lines that can be manufactured with precise electrical characteristics while maintaining physical flexibility. This allows the system to adapt to different antenna configurations and positions without sacrificing manufacturing precision in the electrical properties of the calibration paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable using flexible transmission lines that can be positioned and adjusted for different antenna arrangements, providing both manufacturing precision in electrical characteristics and adaptability in physical configuration.
4Reliability
If conventional calibration systems are used, then calibration functionality is provided, but the system suffers from significant losses and limited wavelength bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the calibration transmission paths by using flexible, low-loss transmission lines with optimized electrical characteristics. This reduces signal loss and extends the operational wavelength bands while maintaining reliable calibration functionality across broader frequency ranges.
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
The solution provides a compact, flexible calibration system that reduces interference, allows broadband frequency operation, and supports various polarizations, resulting in improved antenna performance and calibration accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a shielded signal transmission line having an end portion serving as a signal input/output terminal for transmitting and/or receiving signals propagating through the transmission line
Implementation Method 2
Each electromagnetic coupling site comprises at least one aperture formed in said electrically conductive shield of the signal transmission line for electromagnetic coupling between the signal transmission line and the radiating elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2D
Figure 2E~4B
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A calibration network for an antenna array is disclosed, comprising a shielded signal transmission line having an electrically conducting wire coaxially passing along an electrically conductive shielding sleeve electrically insulated therefrom. The shielded signal transmission line is configured and operable to propagate signals along its length and comprises one or more electromagnetic coupling sites spaced-apart along its length and adapted for coupling the calibration network with a certain number of antenna elements of an antenna array. Each electromagnetic coupling site comprises at least one aperture formed in the electrically conductive shield of the signal transmission line for electromagnetic coupling between the signal transmission line and the radiating elements.