Spherical Lens Antenna Feeds for Weak Signal Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies struggle to detect weak electromagnetic signals from stealth vehicles with reduced radar cross-section, as they require large antenna arrays and complex beamforming networks, leading to limited spatial coverage and increased hardware costs.
Innovation Solution
A novel antenna system with a dielectric spherical lens and sectorial feed manifold, combined with a parameter correlating algorithm, enables high-gain beams and efficient detection of weak signals by reducing beam overlap and integrating signal energy across multiple beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large antenna arrays are used to detect weak electromagnetic signals, then sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and hardware cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple high-gain antenna beams into a single shared aperture system. Multiple feeds are positioned on the focal surface of a common antenna, allowing simultaneous reception of weak signals from different directions without requiring separate antenna arrays for each beam.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared aperture antenna serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides multiple high-gain beams for different spatial directions while using a single physical aperture structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate antenna arrays and reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If large antenna arrays are deployed to achieve wide spatial coverage, then field of view is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The focal surface is divided into multiple discrete feed positions, each generating a high-gain beam in a specific direction. By strategically placing feeds at different locations on the focal surface, the system achieves wide spatial coverage through multiple segmented beams rather than a single large array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar antenna array to a three-dimensional focal surface configuration. Feeds are positioned on a spherical or curved focal surface, allowing spatial coverage to be achieved by exploiting the third dimension (radial distance from antenna aperture) rather than only in the plane of the array.
3Power
If complex beamforming networks are used to produce high-gain beams, then beam gain is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna aperture itself performs the beamforming function through its geometric configuration and focal surface properties. Each feed position naturally produces a high-gain beam in its respective direction due to the antenna's focusing geometry, eliminating the need for complex external beamforming networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic beamforming networks with a purely geometric/optical solution based on the antenna's physical aperture shape and focal surface configuration. The beamforming is achieved through the natural focusing properties of the antenna geometry rather than through complex electronic phase and amplitude control networks.
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 system achieves a 20-40 dB improvement in sensitivity and 100% spatial coverage with minimal hardware, effectively detecting weak electromagnetic signals from stealth vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the antenna is configured to function as a two-dimensional focusing element, having spherical symmetry, wherein the antenna system is configured such that a planar wave-front impinging on the antenna, the planar wave-front associated with the least one electro-magnetic signal, is focused by the antenna to a feed of the plurality of feeds
Implementation Method 2
A novel antenna system with a dielectric spherical lens and sectorial feed manifold
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system for at least one of Elint and Sigint, configured to detect weak electro-magnetic signals, comprises an antenna and a feed manifold, which comprises a plurality of feeds located on a focal surface of the antenna. The antenna is configured to function as a two-dimensional focusing element, having spherical symmetry. The system is configured such that a planar wave-front associated with a electro-magnetic signal, that is impinging on the antenna, is focused by the antenna to a feed, situated at a distance from the antenna corresponding to a focal distance of the antenna along a propagation vector of the wave-front. The spatial field of view of the antenna system is based on a number of feeds and the spacing between feeds. This produces, for each feed, a respective high-gain beam, with direction along the line connecting the center of the spherical symmetry and the feed.