Switchable Transmit Receive Phased Array Antenna Polarization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phased array antenna systems are complex and costly due to their need for separate transmit and receive modules and fixed polarization designs, making them inflexible for changing mission requirements or upgrades, especially when designed for specific custom uses.
Innovation Solution
A switchable transmit and receive phased array antenna (STRPAA) design that includes a housing with multilayer printed wiring boards (MLPWB) configured for different elliptical polarizations, allowing for easy conversion between right-hand and left-hand circular polarizations by rotating radiating elements and swapping MLPWBs, without requiring redesign of T/R modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate transmit and receive modules are used, then the reliability of the phased array antenna system is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate transmit and receive modules into a single integrated T/R module that can switch between transmit and receive modes. This integration reduces the number of components, simplifies the system architecture, and lowers cost while maintaining the functional separation needed for reliable operation through electronic switching between modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated T/R module is designed to perform multiple functions - both transmit and receive operations - within a single unit. This multi-functionality is achieved through switching mechanisms that allow the same hardware to operate in different modes, reducing overall system complexity while preserving the reliability benefits of dedicated transmit and receive pathways.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed polarization design is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the adaptability to different mission requirements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a switchable polarization design where the antenna can dynamically change its polarization mode (e.g., between right-hand circular polarization and left-hand circular polarization) based on mission requirements. This is achieved through switching mechanisms that reconfigure the feed network or element orientations, allowing a single antenna system to adapt to different operational needs without requiring multiple fixed-polarization antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system changes its polarization parameter electronically or mechanically through switching between different feed configurations or element orientations. This parameter change capability allows the same physical antenna structure to produce different polarization states, providing adaptability while avoiding the need to manufacture multiple antennas with different fixed polarizations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If polarization switching capability is added, then the adaptability to different missions is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The polarization switching functionality is integrated into the existing T/R module architecture rather than being implemented as a separate subsystem. By merging the switching mechanisms with the feed network and element structure, the patent achieves polarization adaptability while minimizing additional complexity. The same switching infrastructure is used for both mode switching and polarization control.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching mechanisms in the antenna system serve multiple purposes - enabling both transmit/receive mode switching and polarization mode switching. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified switching architecture that can reconfigure signal paths to achieve different operational modes and polarization states, reducing the need for separate switching subsystems and thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A switchable transmit and receive phased array antenna (“STRPAA”) is disclosed. The STRPAA includes a housing, a plurality of radiating elements, and a plurality of transmit and receive (“T/R”) modules. The STRPAA may also include either a first multilayer printed wiring board (“MLPWB”) configured to produce a first elliptical polarization or a second MLPWB configured to produce a second elliptical polarization within the housing.