Slot-Fed Dual Polarized Antenna Array for Coincident Phase Centers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flared notch antennas are not well-suited for applications requiring coincident-phased dual polarization apertures due to feed line interference, which complicates manufacturing and increases cross-polarization coupling.
Innovation Solution
A slot-fed dual polarized aperture phased antenna array is designed with feeds spanning slots laterally offset from notches, allowing for a coincident phase center without z-direction offset, using a conductive layer and parallel plate structure to simplify construction and reduce cross-polarization coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional flared notch antenna uses a feed crossing the notch to achieve dual polarity operation, then the antenna can be fed, but the flares and feed of the second polarity interfere with those of the first polarity, preventing coincident phase centers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the feed from crossing the notch (conventional approach) to spanning slots that are laterally offset from the notches. This dimensional repositioning allows the feed to be electrically connected to the radiating elements without physically interfering with the flares, enabling coincident phase centers for dual polarity operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces slots in the conductive layer as intermediary elements between the feed and the notches. The feed spans these slots and connects to the conductive layer, which then couples energy to the radiating elements through the notches. This intermediary structure eliminates direct feed-flare interference while maintaining electrical connection.
2Reliability
If the flares are directly connected to the feed to provide impedance matching from 50Ω to 377Ω, then impedance matching is achieved, but the flares must be relatively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conductive layer with slots as an intermediary impedance transformation stage. The feed connects to this conductive layer, which provides an intermediate impedance step between the 50Ω feed and the higher impedance of the radiating elements. This multi-stage transformation allows for shorter flare lengths while maintaining effective impedance matching.
3Device complexity
If feeds are positioned to avoid interference between polarities, then coincident phase centers are achieved, but the structure requires z-direction offset which complicates manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of offsetting feeds in the z-direction (depth), the patent offsets the slots laterally from the notches in the x-y plane. This dimensional change allows coincident phase centers to be achieved without requiring z-direction offset, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the coincident phase center alignment.
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 enables wideband operation with low loss and low cross-polarization coupling, suitable for both low-frequency and high-frequency applications, while maintaining a low profile and lightweight structure, and simplifying manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a coincident phased dual-polarized antenna array configured to emit electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
The spacer layer may be filled with a dielectric material
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
A coincident phased dual-polarized antenna array (300) configured to emit electromagnetic radiation includes: a plurality of electromagnetic radiators (310) arranged in a grid, the plurality of electromagnetic radiators defining a plurality of notches (380); a ground plane spaced from the electromagnetic radiators; a conductive layer disposed between the electromagnetic radiators and the ground plane, the conductive layer having a plurality of slots (330) laterally offset from the notches (380) and being spaced apart from and electrically insulated from the electromagnetic radiators (310); and a plurality of feeds (320), each of the feeds spanning a corresponding slot of the slots (330) and electrically connected to a portion of the conductive layer at one side of the corresponding slot. The feed provides coincident phase centres for both polarisations.