Vertically Stacked Phased Array Antenna for Low Power Directional Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication systems are bulky, energy-intensive, and inefficient, particularly for soldiers and emergency personnel, due to their use of low-gain omni-directional antennas, which waste energy and increase detection risk, and struggle to integrate multi-band capabilities, including radar and infrared signals, into a compact and lightweight format.
Innovation Solution
A vertically stacked antenna transceiver system with active phased array antennas, integrated transmit/receive modules, phase shifters, and phase conjugation modules, allowing for directional signal transmission and reception over multiple frequency bands, including RF, IR, and radar, while reducing power consumption and enhancing signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If low-gain omni-directional antennas are used for communication, then communication coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases and detection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from omni-directional antennas that radiate energy uniformly in all directions to directional high-gain antennas that concentrate RF energy transmission and reception in specific directions. This localized energy transmission improves communication coverage in the direction of interest while reducing energy waste in other directions, thereby resolving the contradiction between coverage and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically steerable phased array antennas that can electronically adjust beam direction and focus without mechanical movement. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt communication coverage to different directions as needed while maintaining energy efficiency, resolving the contradiction by providing both wide coverage capability and focused energy transmission when required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If low-gain omni-directional antennas are used for communication, then communication coverage is improved, but detection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
By using directional high-gain antennas, the system concentrates communication energy in specific directions rather than radiating uniformly in all directions. This localized transmission reduces the electromagnetic signature visible to enemy detection systems while maintaining effective communication coverage in the intended direction, thereby resolving the contradiction between coverage and detection risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of detectable RF emissions into a benefit by using phased array technology to precisely control beam direction and width. The system can maintain communication coverage while minimizing the electromagnetic footprint in directions where detection is a concern, effectively turning the detection risk into an opportunity for enhanced security through controlled emission patterns.
3Measurement precision
If multi-band capabilities including radar and IR sensors are integrated into conventional systems, then signal tracking and detection are improved, but system volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication and sensing functions into a single integrated phased array antenna system. The same antenna elements used for RF communication also perform radar functions through electronic beam steering, eliminating the need for separate physical antenna structures. This consolidation improves target detection capability while significantly reducing system volume compared to conventional separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the phased array system to perform multiple functions including communication, radar detection, and target tracking using the same physical infrastructure. The system can dynamically reconfigure beam patterns and frequencies to switch between functions, providing enhanced detection capability without requiring additional dedicated hardware for each function, thus reducing overall system volume.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sensor arrays are modified for multi-band data transfer, then communication capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamically reconfigurable phased array technology that can electronically adjust beam direction, width, and frequency without mechanical movement or complex physical reconfiguration. This dynamic electronic control provides multi-band communication capability while maintaining relatively simple system architecture, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by using software-controlled beamforming rather than hardware reconfiguration.
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 provides efficient, directional, and secure communication with reduced power requirements, enabling seamless transmission and reception of voice, data, and target detection signals, while being compact, lightweight, and user-friendly, thus improving operational effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an active phased array antenna
Implementation Method 2
transmitting and receiving signals
Implementation Method 3
phase shifters
Implementation Method 4
transmit/receive modules for transmitting and receiving signals
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an antenna transceiver system for transmitting and receiving voice, digital data, radar and IR signals, and for processing received signals for use by an operator. The system includes an antenna array having a plurality of radiating elements, each element connected to a transmit/receive (“T/R”) module. Each T/R module includes phase shifters, as well as a phase conjugation module for transmitting a return signal to a location along a beam path of an incoming signal. Transmission of the return signal does not require knowledge of the location of either the signal source or the antenna transceiver system. The antenna transceiver system is disposed on a plurality of vertically aligned planes integrated into a compact unit. The units can be embedded in headgear of a user, allowing for hands-free operation of the system. Alternatively, the antenna transceiver system can be integrated into a vehicle, man-transportable backpack, or other designated platforms.