Variable Impedance Signal Divider for Adaptive Antenna Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adaptive antenna array systems face energy inefficiency due to the use of absorptive switches, which waste RF power as heat, and struggle with flexible beam reconfiguration while maintaining performance.
Innovation Solution
A feeder device with variable impedance signal dividers that control the reflection and transmission of RF signals, allowing for constructive and destructive interference to direct signals efficiently to antenna elements, eliminating the need for absorptive switches and enabling flexible beam configuration with reduced energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If absorptive switches are used to switch off antenna elements, then beam reconfiguration flexibility is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to power dissipation as heat
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of absorbing RF power to switch off antenna elements, the patent uses reflective switches that reflect the RF power back through the feeder network to other antenna elements. This inverts the conventional approach by converting power loss into useful signal redistribution, thereby maintaining energy efficiency while achieving beam reconfiguration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts what would traditionally be harmful reflected power (which causes instability in power amplifiers) into a beneficial resource by directing it through the feeder network to other antenna elements. The reflection is no longer waste but a mechanism for power redistribution and beam forming.
2Area of stationary object
If antenna elements are switched off to extend angular coverage, then coverage area is improved, but power along the main beam deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by ensuring that RF power is never absorbed or lost, but continuously redirected to active antenna elements. Even when some elements are switched off for coverage extension, the power is reflected and continuously supplied to the remaining active elements, maintaining main beam power while achieving wider coverage.
3Loss of energy
If reflected signals are allowed in the feeder network, then absorptive switches can be eliminated, but signal reflections deteriorate system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the feeder network itself as an intermediary that actively manages and directs reflected signals. Instead of allowing uncontrolled reflections that could cause instability, the feeder network with its variable impedance structures guides the reflected power to specific antenna elements, converting a potential harm into a controlled and useful signal distribution mechanism.
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 solution provides a controllable, low-loss method for transmitting or reflecting RF signals, allowing for precise amplitude control and flexible beam patterns, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing heat dissipation in adaptive antenna arrays.
Implementation Method 1
said divided signals are at least one of reflected to said output port and transmitted to said further output port, said degree of reflection and transmission depending on a value of said variable impedance
Implementation Method 2
said phase shifts being such that said divided signals received at said output port and said further output port constructively interfere and signals received at outer ports of said signal divider other than said output ports are out of phase and destructively interfere
Data Source
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AI summary
A feeder device for supplying a radio frequency signal to an adaptive antenna array and the adaptive antenna array are disclosed. The feeder network comprises at least one signal divider. The signal divider comprises: an input port for receiving the radio frequency signal, an output port, a further output port and a variable impedance. The signal divider is configured to divide the input signal and direct the divided signal towards the variable impedance. The divided signals are at least one of reflected to the output port and transmitted to the further output port, the degree of reflection and transmission depending on a value of the variable impedance. The signal divider is configured such that phase shifts are introduced to signals travelling between ports, the phase shifts being such that the divided signals received at the output port and the further output port constructively interfere and signals received at outer ports of the signal divider other than the output ports are out of phase and destructively interfere. The output and the further output ports of the at least one signal divider are configured to supply signals to respective antenna elements of the antenna array.