Terahertz Antenna Array With Variable Coupling for Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current terahertz-wave antenna arrays cannot apply beamforming by controlling the phase difference between active antennas, limiting their ability to direct beams arbitrarily.
Innovation Solution
An antenna apparatus comprising a plurality of active antennas, coupling lines, and impedance variable devices that adjust the impedance of the coupling lines, allowing for control of the phase difference between antennas to enable beamforming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If coupling lines are used to mutually couple active antennas to synchronize phases, then phase synchronization is achieved, but beamforming capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the coupling line impedance variable rather than fixed. By using impedance variable devices (such as variable capacitors or resistors) to control the impedance of coupling lines, the system can dynamically adjust the coupling strength and phase difference between antennas. This enables the system to switch between synchronized operation (for stability) and differential phase operation (for beamforming), resolving the contradiction between phase synchronization and beamforming capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the impedance of coupling lines to control the phase difference between adjacent active antennas. By changing the impedance parameter of coupling lines (from fixed to variable), the system can achieve different operating modes: when impedance is set to specific values, antennas oscillate in synchronism; when impedance is adjusted to other values, controlled phase differences are achieved for beamforming in arbitrary directions.
2Device complexity
If fixed impedance coupling lines are used, then simple structure is maintained, but phase difference control is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static coupling line impedance into a dynamic, controllable parameter. By incorporating impedance variable devices into the coupling lines, the system gains the ability to adjust impedance values electronically, enabling phase difference control without requiring complex mechanical adjustments or multiple fixed impedance line sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the impedance parameter of coupling lines from fixed to variable. This parameter change enables electronic control of phase differences between antennas while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The impedance variable devices can be controlled electronically, providing ease of operation for beamforming applications.
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
Enables arbitrary beamforming capabilities, improving the directionality and control of terahertz-wave emission or reception in the antenna array.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillator formed by integrating a Resonance Tunneling Diode (RTD) and an antenna is expected as an element that operates at room temperature in a frequency domain around 1 THz
Implementation Method 2
coupling lines that mutually couple the plurality of active antennas are used to cause the plurality of active antennas to oscillate in the same phase in synchronism with each other
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna apparatus that comprises an antenna array in which a plurality of active antennas each including an antenna and a semiconductor structure configured to generate or detect an electromagnetic wave are arranged in an array, a coupling line configured to mutually couple two antennas respectively included in at least two active antennas among the plurality of active antennas, and an impedance variable device configured to make an impedance of the coupling line variable is provided.