Stacked Patch Antenna Array for Multi-Band GNSS Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite-based navigation systems, such as NAVSTAR GPS and Galileo GNSS, require antennas that can receive signals across multiple frequency bands while maintaining compatibility with existing installations, particularly in airborne applications where cost reduction and airworthiness are critical, and the physical size difference due to varying bandwidths poses a challenge.
Innovation Solution
A multi-standard radiating element board with sequentially rotated patches on multiple layers, each short-circuited to ground, featuring serrated teeth for broadband tuning, allowing for simultaneous reception of NAVSTAR GPS and Galileo signals within a compatible physical size, utilizing stratified dielectric material for optimal performance and manufacturing flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna bandwidth is increased to receive Galileo GNSS signals (more than double the NAVSTAR GPS bandwidth), then the antenna can support multiple frequency bands, but the physical size of the antenna increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a stacked patch antenna array where multiple radiating elements operating at different frequency bands are vertically stacked and nested within a single compact footprint. Each radiating element comprises patches at different heights above the ground plane, allowing multiple frequency bands (GPS L1, L2, L5 and Galileo E5, E6) to be received simultaneously without increasing the horizontal antenna area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar two-dimensional antenna layout to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. By arranging radiating elements at different vertical heights above the ground plane, the antenna achieves multi-frequency band capability in the vertical dimension while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint suitable for existing GPS installations
2Reliability
If the radiation pattern requirements are made more stringent for airborne applications, then polarization purity is improved, but the antenna design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric patch configurations and non-uniform spacing between radiating elements to control the radiation pattern and improve circular polarization purity. The stacked elements are positioned at different heights and orientations, creating asymmetric current distributions that enhance axial ratio performance and polarization purity for airborne GNSS applications
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 a compact, multi-standard antenna with advanced radiation patterns and polarization purity, ensuring backwards compatibility with existing installations and efficient operation across diverse frequency bands, while allowing for precise tuning and manufacturing using standard materials and methods.
Implementation Method 1
each patch has serrated teeth provided along a first edge opposite the edge short-circuited to ground for broadband and tuning purposes
Implementation Method 2
each patch is short-circuited to ground along an edge of the patch so that multi-band radiation can only escape from a virtual slot provided substantially along the opposite edge of the corresponding patches
Implementation Method 3
utilizing stratified dielectric material for optimal performance and manufacturing flexibility
Implementation Method 4
each radiating element is sequentially rotated a predetermined angle from its neighbouring element, all elements being rotated in the same direction and in the same plane
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5(a)~5(c)
AI summary
A radiating element board for use in a passive antenna, the radiating element board comprising a plurality of multi-layer radiating elements, each of which comprises a first patch (11) provided on a first layer for receiving signals within a first frequency band and a second patch (12) provided on a second layer for receiving signals within a second frequency band, wherein the plurality of radiating elements are arranged on the radiating element board such that each radiating element is sequentially rotated a predetermined angle from its neighbouring element, all elements being rotated in the same direction and in the same plane.