SIW Antenna Array with Integrated Waveguide Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waveguide-to-coax transitions for high-frequency applications are costly, require high precision machining, and are bulky, making them unsuitable for low size, weight, and power (SWaP) constrained applications such as conformal sensor nodes and small aircraft, where a low-loss waveguide-to-planar-surface integrated waveguide (SIW) transition is needed.
Innovation Solution
A surface integrated waveguide (SIW) antenna array is developed using a composite dielectric circuit board with a waveguide antenna element, topside and bottomside ground planes, and conductive vias to form a microstrip feed, reducing size, weight, and cost, and allowing efficient signal propagation with minimal electrical behavior changes due to environmental surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If waveguide-to-coax adapters are used for high frequency applications, then signal transmission quality is improved, but size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the waveguide feed, transition section, and antenna element into a single integrated structure. The waveguide walls are directly formed as part of the antenna housing, eliminating the need for separate waveguide-to-coax adapters and reducing overall weight while maintaining low-loss signal transmission at high frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, acts as the waveguide enclosure, and integrates the antenna element mounting. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adapter components, reducing both weight and complexity while maintaining high-frequency performance
2Loss of energy
If waveguide-to-coax adapters are used for high frequency applications, then signal transmission quality is improved, but device complexity and machining precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transition from waveguide to antenna feed is achieved by directly forming the waveguide walls as integral parts of the antenna housing structure. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate adapter components and complex multi-stage transitions, reducing device complexity while maintaining low-loss signal transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate adapter components from the signal path. By directly forming the waveguide walls as part of the antenna housing, the design removes the complex waveguide-to-coax transition sections and their associated high-precision machining requirements
3Loss of energy
If waveguide-to-coax adapters are used for high frequency applications, then signal transmission quality is improved, but size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide feed structure is merged with the antenna housing, eliminating the need for separate adapter volumes. The waveguide walls are formed directly as part of the housing structure, reducing overall antenna volume while maintaining low-loss signal transmission at high frequencies
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 SIW antenna array achieves efficient signal propagation with reduced size, weight, and cost compared to existing waveguide-to-coax adapters, maintaining low loss and adaptability to various waveguide geometries, suitable for high-frequency applications.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide enclosing the waveguide antenna element
Implementation Method 2
conductive vias to form a microstrip feed
Data Source
AI summary
A waveguide antenna and a method for producing same is disclosed. In one embodiment, The waveguide-fed surface integrated antenna array comprises an aperture coupled waveguide (WG) antenna element with inclusive slot on a first metal layer, a first ground plane as part of a surface integrated waveguide (SIW) on a first metal layer, an embedded microstrip feed on a second metal layer, a second ground plane as part of a SIW with one or more apertures formed within the ground plane on a third metal layer, and a waveguide enclosing the antenna element on the first metal layer. The SIW is formed on the first and third metal layers of the composite RF board along with one or more shorting conductors electrically shorting the first and second ground planes.