Rectangular Waveguide Antenna Beam Steering Without Phase Shifters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing directional antennas are complex and expensive to implement due to the need for numerous phase shifters, bulky and inefficient due to reliance on optical or quasi-optical systems, and limited in applicability to circular antennas or requiring substantial RF source movement, which causes junction issues and frequency modifications.
Innovation Solution
A directional antenna array with a rectangular waveguide featuring a movable bottom part that allows beam direction adjustment through translational movement, eliminating the need for electronic phase shifters and optical or quasi-optical systems, and enabling beam steering in one or two dimensions using mechanical means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If passive electronically scanned arrays (PESAs) or active electronically scanned arrays (AESAs) are used to direct the beam without mechanical intervention, then beam direction control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to thousands of phase shifters required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex electronic phase shifting components from the antenna system. Instead of using thousands of phase shifters in PESAs/AESAs, the patent uses a simple mechanical translation of the RF source position within the waveguide, thereby achieving beam steering without the problematic electronic complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the electronic phase shifting mechanism with a mechanical translation system. The RF source is physically moved to different positions within the waveguide structure, and this mechanical displacement directly controls the beam direction, substituting complex electronics with simple mechanics
2Ease of operation
If quasi-optical devices based on transmission lenses or reflection mirrors are used to direct the beam, then beam direction control is improved, but device volume and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the bulky optical components (lenses and mirrors) from the antenna system. By using direct mechanical translation of the RF source within a compact waveguide structure, the patent achieves beam steering functionality without the large volume required by quasi-optical devices
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the approach from using optical dimensions (lenses and mirrors requiring large apertures) to using the spatial dimension within the waveguide. The RF source is translated along the waveguide axis, utilizing the waveguide's internal geometry to achieve beam control in a compact volume
3Ease of operation
If VICTS devices with rotation of superposed plates are used to deviate the beam, then beam direction control is improved, but device volume increases and only circular antennas can be addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the rotating plate mechanism from the antenna system. Instead of using VICTS devices with superposed plates that require substantial volume and are limited to circular antennas, the patent uses a simple translational movement of the RF source that works with any antenna geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the VICTS approach: instead of rotating plates to change beam direction, the RF source itself is translated linearly within the waveguide. This inversion of the mechanism eliminates the need for rotation and plate structures, reducing volume and removing the circular antenna limitation
4Ease of operation
If devices based on rotation are used to address antennas, then beam direction control is improved, but adaptability is reduced as only circular antennas can be addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal beam steering mechanism that works with any antenna geometry. By using linear translation of the RF source within the waveguide rather than rotation, the system becomes adaptable to both circular and rectangular antennas, as well as other geometries, making the device universally applicable
5Adaptability or versatility
If devices not based on rotation are used to address antennas, then adaptability to various antenna geometries is improved, but substantial movement of the RF source with respect to the focusing system is required, causing junction issues and losses
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the waveguide into a fixed portion and a movable bottom part. The RF source translates along the waveguide axis within this segmented structure, maintaining continuous electrical connections through the waveguide walls rather than requiring junctions at the focusing system, thereby reducing signal losses
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure acts as an intermediary that facilitates the translation of the RF source while maintaining electrical continuity. The waveguide walls provide continuous electrical paths, eliminating the need for problematic junctions that would otherwise be required at the focusing system
6Ease of operation
If slot arrays with modification of frequency are used to change beam direction, then beam direction control is improved, but frequency modification is incompatible with the rest of the radio chain
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses dynamic mechanical translation of the RF source position within the waveguide to control beam direction. This dynamic positioning changes the effective electrical length and phase distribution, providing beam steering without modifying the signal frequency, thereby maintaining compatibility with the radio chain
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 solution provides a simple and cost-effective method to control an array of phased-array antennas without electronic phase shifters, achieving directional beam steering with high gain and reduced bulk, applicable to various frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
a rectangular waveguide with two feeds, the guide extending along a longitudinal axis Oy
Implementation Method 2
The wave propagating through the guide is transmitted by each of the slots, with a phase shift that depends on the spacing between the radiating elements and on the wavelength guided
Data Source
AI summary
A directional antenna array, to a radio-frequency antenna that includes one or more directional arrays and that is directional in one or two dimensions, and to a method for pointing the radio-frequency antenna and the associated computer program product. The directional antenna array comprises: a rectangular waveguide extending along a longitudinal axis, and comprising: a fixed portion with two lateral faces and an upper face, and a bottom part; a plurality of radiating elements placed on the fixed portion of the waveguide. The bottom part of the rectangular waveguide is movable translationally in a direction of movement parallel to the lateral faces, the maximum distance between the bottom part and the upper face being smaller than the distance between the lateral faces.