Broadband Transmitter Network Antenna Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmitter array antennas face limitations in operating at higher frequencies and achieving wider relative bandwidths while maintaining simplicity and cost-effectiveness, particularly due to manufacturing constraints and the need to minimize the number of metal layers used.
Innovation Solution
A transmitter network design incorporating a combination of cells with via coupling and cells without via coupling, each with distinct phase shift values, allowing for a wider range of phase shift configurations to enhance frequency operation and bandwidth, utilizing a stack of conductive layers separated by dielectric layers and optimizing cell configurations to achieve higher frequency capabilities and broader passbands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a limited number of cell configurations are used to simplify manufacturing and reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the bandwidth and frequency operation range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting array is segmented into multiple discrete cell configurations, each providing a specific phase shift value. By dividing the array into these distinct cell types and strategically positioning them, the patent achieves continuous phase control across the bandwidth without requiring each individual cell to be continuously adjustable, thereby simplifying manufacturing while expanding adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the transmitting array are assigned different cell configurations based on the desired phase distribution. Each local region uses cell types optimized for its specific phase shift requirements, allowing the overall system to achieve wide bandwidth operation through localized optimization rather than requiring uniform complex cells throughout.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more cell configurations are used to increase bandwidth and frequency range, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces frequency-dependent phase shift characteristics in the cell configurations. Each cell type is designed to provide optimal phase shift at different frequency points within the operating band, enabling the array to dynamically adapt to frequency changes without requiring active control mechanisms, thus increasing frequency operation range while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cell configurations utilize geometric parameter variations (such as element dimensions, spacing, and orientations) to achieve different phase shift values. By carefully selecting and combining a limited set of geometric parameter combinations, the patent achieves wide frequency operation range without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Device complexity
If via coupling is used in all cells to simplify cell design, then device complexity is reduced, but bandwidth and phase shift range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two different coupling mechanisms (via coupling and slot coupling) into a unified cell configuration system. By combining the advantages of both coupling types across different cell positions and types, the system achieves extended phase shift range and improved bandwidth while maintaining overall design simplicity through the use of only two fundamental coupling approaches.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the number of conductive layers is increased to achieve wider bandwidth, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the number of conductive layers vertically, the patent exploits the horizontal dimension by optimizing the in-plane geometry and arrangement of elements within existing layers. This approach achieves bandwidth expansion through two-dimensional cell configuration variations rather than adding vertical complexity, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while improving adaptability.
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
This approach enables transmitter arrays to operate at higher frequencies and achieve wider bandwidths, overcoming manufacturing limitations and achieving higher relative passbands compared to single-type cell configurations, while maintaining simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
Each cell 105 is capable, in transmission, of receiving electromagnetic radiation on its first antenna element 105a and of re-emitting this radiation from its second antenna element 105b with a known phase shift φ
Implementation Method 2
The coupling between the first and second antenna elements is achieved using an insulated conductor via that passes through the ground plane and connects the first antenna element to the second antenna element
Implementation Method 3
coupling between them is achieved by means of a slot formed in the ground plane opposite the two elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The invention relates to a transmitting network (203) comprising a plurality of cells, each cell being adapted to transmit a radio signal by introducing a phase shift into this signal, said plurality of cells comprising cells of a first type (205-I) and cells of a second type (205-II), in which: the network comprises a stack of first (M1), second (M2) and third (M3) conductive layers separated in pairs by dielectric layers (D1, D2); each cell comprises a first antenna element (205a) formed in the first conductive layer (M1) and a second antenna element (205b) formed in the third conductive layer (M3); in each cell of the first type, the first antenna element is connected to the second antenna element by a via (211) passing through the second conductive layer; and in each cell of the second type, the first antenna element is not connected to the second antenna element.