Switchable Phased Array Antenna Sub-Groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phased array antenna systems face challenges in reducing the number of electronics required while maintaining scanning range and coverage area, as reducing antenna elements leads to decreased performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of switchable sub-groups with first and second switching networks allows for the association of waveform signals with controller circuits and controller circuits with antenna elements, enabling flexible beam control and configuration to meet mission requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the number of antenna elements is reduced to decrease electronics quantity, then device complexity and mass are reduced, but scanning range and coverage area deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of antenna element groups through switching networks, allowing the system to transition between different operational modes. Controller circuits can dynamically associate different subsets of antenna elements with different waveform signals, enabling the coverage area to be adaptively adjusted based on mission requirements rather than being fixed by the total number of elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array is segmented into multiple switchable sub-groups of antenna elements that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary portion of the total antenna elements for each specific mission, effectively reducing the operational electronics quantity while maintaining adequate coverage area when needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the number of antenna elements is reduced to reduce power consumption, then use of energy is improved, but scanning range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs partial action by activating only the necessary subset of antenna elements and controller circuits required for the current mission rather than operating all elements continuously. The switching networks enable selective activation of M controller circuits out of N total circuits, reducing power consumption while maintaining scanning range through strategic selection of active elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the system to adaptively adjust which antenna elements are active based on real-time mission requirements. This dynamic switching between different element configurations enables the system to minimize power consumption by activating only the minimum necessary electronics while preserving the ability to achieve full scanning range when needed.
3Device complexity
If switchable sub-groups with switching networks are implemented to reduce electronics, then device complexity is reduced, but beam control flexibility may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The switching networks and controller circuits are designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple beam control operations. The same M controller circuits can be reconfigured through the switching networks to control different subsets of antenna elements for different beam forming tasks, maintaining beam control flexibility while using fewer electronics. The system can form multiple beams, steer beams, and adjust coverage areas using the same reconfigurable hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A phased array antenna system is provided, which includes one or more switchable sub-groups. Each switchable sub-group can be switchably configured to associate one or more waveform signals with one or more of a plurality of controller circuits using a first switching network, and to associate one or more of the plurality of controller circuits with one or more of a plurality of antenna elements using a second switching network. The switching networks permit a phased array antenna system to switchably control one or more beams, with different scanning ranges and coverage areas depending upon mission requirements.