Antenne reconfigurable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reconfigurable antennas face challenges with high bulk, complexity, and high power consumption, particularly in applications requiring high-frequency operation, such as satellite communications.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable antenna design incorporating an amplifier array with a plurality of elementary cells, each equipped with amplifiers and switches, allowing for improved control over electromagnetic radiation and reduced thickness by positioning the primary source closer to the transmitarray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transmitarray antennas use reconfigurable elementary cells to control electromagnetic field distribution, then beam steering and beam-forming capabilities are improved, but the antenna thickness increases due to the need to keep focal sources away from the transmitting array
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into two independent arrays: a transmitarray with reconfigurable elementary cells for beam control, and a separate amplifier array with amplification circuits. This segmentation allows the focal source to be positioned close to the transmitarray without interference, reducing thickness while maintaining beam steering capability through the reconfigurable cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The amplifier array acts as an intermediary between the focal source and the transmitarray. By introducing this intermediate amplification stage, the system can position the focal source closer to the transmitarray while still achieving the required signal strength through the amplification circuits in the amplifier array.
2Power
If reconfigurable antennas incorporate amplification circuits to compensate for losses, then signal strength is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Amplification circuits are placed locally at each elementary cell of the amplifier array, allowing signal amplification to occur at the point of need. This local amplification approach improves signal strength where required while enabling efficient power management by only activating amplification when and where needed, rather than using a centralized high-power amplification system.
3Power
If reflector antennas are used for high-gain applications, then antenna gain is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to the need for very precise curvature at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous curved reflector surface is replaced by a segmented transmitarray structure composed of discrete reconfigurable elementary cells. Each cell can be manufactured independently with standard tolerances, eliminating the need for precise continuous curvature fabrication while achieving comparable or superior gain through coherent signal combining from all cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a passive geometric structure (reflector curvature) to an active reconfigurable structure where each elementary cell can dynamically adjust its electromagnetic properties. This parameter change from fixed geometry to controllable electromagnetic characteristics allows for easier manufacturing while maintaining high gain through electronic beam control.
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 design achieves a smaller bulk and reduced power consumption while maintaining or improving performance, facilitating efficient beam steering and beam-forming capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an amplifier array comprising a plurality of first elementary cells; a transmitarray comprising a plurality of second elementary cells; and at least one source, wherein said at least one source is configured to irradiate, or to be irradiated by, the transmitarray, and the amplifier array is configured to irradiate and to be irradiated by the transmitarray
Data Source
AI summary
The present description concerns an antenna comprising: an amplifier array comprising a plurality of first elementary cells; a transmitarray comprising a plurality of second elementary cells; and at least one source, wherein said at least one source is configured to irradiate, or to be irradiated by, the transmitarray, and the amplifier array is configured to irradiate and to be irradiated by the transmitarray.