Stacked Patch Phased Array for Wideband Uniform Gain Scanning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased array antennas for millimeter-wave communications exhibit non-uniform gain characteristics and limited scan ranges over a wide frequency band, particularly in azimuth and elevation planes.
Innovation Solution
A wideband phased array antenna design featuring stacked patch antennas with different dielectric materials and substrates for driven and parasitic elements, allowing for electromagnetic coupling to enhance bandwidth and uniform gain across a 24-52 GHz frequency range, with wider scan range in the azimuth plane compared to the elevation plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional phased array antenna design is used, then the antenna can operate at millimeter-wave frequencies, but the gain characteristics become non-uniform and scan range is limited over a wide frequency band
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element is divided into two separate substrates: one carrying the driven element and the other carrying the parasitic element. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each substrate's dielectric properties to achieve uniform gain across the wide frequency band from 24 GHz to 52 GHz
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite dielectric structures with different materials on each substrate. The first substrate uses a dielectric material optimized for the driven element, while the second substrate uses a different dielectric material optimized for the parasitic element, creating a composite structure that maintains uniform gain characteristics across the entire operating bandwidth
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional phased array antenna design is used, then the antenna structure is simple, but the scan range is limited particularly in the elevation plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar single-substrate design to a three-dimensional stacked configuration with two substrates separated by a gap. This dimensional change enables independent control of radiation patterns in different planes, achieving asymmetric scan ranges (100 degrees in azimuth, 30 degrees in elevation) by optimizing the vertical stacking geometry
3Productivity
If a wide frequency band is covered, then the antenna is versatile for millimeter-wave communications, but the gain uniformity degrades
Solution Approach 1:
Each substrate is assigned a specific dielectric material with properties optimized for its local function: the first substrate's dielectric constant and thickness are optimized for the driven element's resonance, while the second substrate's properties are optimized for the parasitic element's coupling. This local optimization ensures consistent gain across the entire 24-52 GHz bandwidth
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 design achieves uniform gain and wider scan range in the azimuth plane, maintaining consistent performance across the frequency band, with gains within 5 decibels and scan ranges of 100 degrees in the azimuth plane versus 30 degrees in the elevation plane.
Implementation Method 1
The driven element and a parasitic element are electromagnetically coupled. The driven element is disposed on a first substrate that includes a first dielectric material. The parasitic element is disposed on a second substrate positioned relative to the first substrate such that a gap is defined between the first substrate and the second substrate.
Data Source
AI summary
A wideband phased array antenna is provided. The wideband phased array antenna includes a plurality of antenna cells. Each of the antenna cells is configured to communicate over a frequency band ranging from 24 GHz to 52 GHz. Furthermore, one or more of the antenna cells includes a driven element and a parasitic element. The driven element is disposed on a first substrate that includes a first dielectric material. The parasitic element is disposed on a second substrate positioned relative to the first substrate such that a gap is defined between the first substrate and the second substrate. The second substrate includes a second dielectric material that is different than the first dielectric material.