Stacked Phase-Mode Feed for 2D Antenna Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beam-steering technologies for antenna arrays face complexity and scalability issues as the target frequency range increases, particularly in achieving a greater tilt of the main beam from the z-axis, due to the reduced spacing between radiating elements, which complicates the implementation of beam steering circuitry and feed networks.
Innovation Solution
A stacked phase-mode feed network using concentric radial TEM waveguides with variable phase shifters, allowing for progressive electrical phase shifts proportional to the angular position of radiating elements, enabling the combination of higher order phase modes to achieve greater radial steering range without requiring a full N-port network, thus simplifying the construction and reducing feed losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional beam steering circuitry is implemented with increased target frequency, then beam steering capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to reduced spacing between radiating elements
Solution Approach 1:
The feed network is segmented into multiple independent radial TEM waveguides, each capable of providing phase modes independently. This segmentation allows each waveguide to be designed and implemented separately, reducing the overall complexity of the feed network while maintaining beam steering capability at increased frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar phase shifters to three-dimensional radial TEM waveguides. This dimensional change allows phase modes to be generated in a radial configuration, enabling beam steering at higher frequencies where element spacing is reduced, without proportionally increasing feed network complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If higher order phase modes are combined to achieve greater beam tilt from z-axis, then radial steering range is improved, but implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each radial TEM waveguide is designed to provide multiple phase modes (including higher order modes) through its structural configuration. This multi-functionality allows a single waveguide to achieve what would otherwise require multiple separate components, simplifying the implementation of greater beam tilt capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested concentric radial TEM waveguides where inner waveguides provide certain phase modes and outer waveguides provide complementary modes. This nesting arrangement allows systematic combination of phase modes for greater steering range while organizing the complexity in a structured, manageable hierarchy.
3Reliability
If full N-port network is used for beam steering, then complete coverage is achieved, but construction complexity and feed losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential phase modes needed for beam steering from a complete N-port network configuration. By selecting and implementing only the necessary radial TEM waveguides and phase modes, the system achieves adequate beam coverage without the construction complexity and feed losses associated with a full N-port network.
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
This solution enables efficient 2D steerable beams with desired tilt from the z-axis, reduces side lobes, and allows for simpler planar construction, independent of the number of radiating elements, thereby addressing the complexity and scalability challenges in beam steering.
Implementation Method 1
first and second radial transverse electromagnetic (TEM) waveguides
Implementation Method 2
first variable phase shifter is configured to cause additional progressive electrical phase shifts in the first ring of radiating elements
Data Source
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AI summary
A feed network, steering apparatus and system for a steerable antenna array are described. The feed network includes a waveguide assembly including first and second radial transverse electromagnetic (TEM) waveguides, and first and second variable phase shifters positioned in the respective TEM waveguides. The variable phase shifters cause additional progressive electrical phase shifts in respective rings of radiaSpeting elements, directly proportional to the angular position of the radiating elements in the ring, from 0 to a controllable integer multiple of 2π radians. The feed network includes first and second phase-mode feed probes coupled to the respective radial TEM waveguides, which provide respective phase-mode feed ports. When the feed network is coupled to the antenna array, two consecutive-order phase modes are provided at the phase-mode feed ports. The orders of the phase modes are selectable using a phase shift control signal controlling the integer multiple of the variable phase shifters.