Variable-Group Phased Array Antenna Reducing Module Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phased array antennas are limited by high cost due to each element being linked to a single expensive transmit/receive module, and existing configurations that reduce module numbers often suffer from performance and functionality limitations.
Innovation Solution
The antenna array is arranged with groups of phased array elements, each connected to a communication module, allowing for a variable number of elements per group, and the groups are configured into sub-arrays with irregular phase centers on linear structures, reducing the number of required transmit/receive modules and enabling 360° rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each phased array antenna element is linked to a single transmit/receive module, then the performance and functionality are maintained, but the cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple antenna elements are grouped together and connected to a single transmit/receive module through a network. This merging approach reduces the total number of expensive modules while maintaining the phased array functionality through coordinated signal distribution and combination across the grouped elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array is divided into multiple groups or sub-arrays, where each group shares a common transmit/receive module. This segmentation allows the system to maintain performance through modular organization while reducing overall complexity by sharing resources across segments.
2Device complexity
If the number of transmit/receive modules is reduced, then the cost decreases, but the performance and functionality are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
A signal distribution network acts as an intermediary between the reduced number of transmit/receive modules and the antenna elements. This intermediary system enables single modules to control multiple elements through coordinated signal routing, phase adjustment, and amplitude control, thereby maintaining performance despite fewer modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter control (phase, amplitude, frequency) to enable a single transmit/receive module to effectively control multiple antenna elements. By dynamically adjusting these parameters across the network, the system maintains phased array performance with fewer physical modules.
3Ease of repair
If planks are made removable, then maintenance efficiency improves, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is divided into separate removable planks that can be independently accessed and maintained. Each plank contains specific antenna elements and associated components, allowing maintenance personnel to work on individual sections without disassembling the entire structure, thereby improving maintenance efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The plank structure is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable - removable for maintenance and installation, yet providing stable structural support when assembled. This dynamic design allows the system to transition between operational and maintenance states efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to reducing the complexity and cost of antenna arrays and is more specifically concerned with reducing the complexity of an antenna apparatus (10). It provides an antenna array (62) made up of a vertical stack of horizontal linear structures (74) each having several groups of neighboring array antenna elements (78), the groups (74) having variable numbers of the antenna elements (78) each connected to a transmit/receive module (66). The advantage of this configuration is that less communication modules (66), such as transmit/receive modules, are required to operate the antenna array (62), reducing the weight, power consumption and cost of an antenna apparatus (10) incorporating such an antenna array (62) without significantly limiting the capability and/or performance of a system compared to a conventional solution.