Open-Ended Waveguide Array Layout for Compact 1D AESA Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna arrays with waveguide feed networks face challenges in fitting within limited inter-element spacing due to increasing complexity and size, limiting scan range performance, especially as desired operation bandwidth increases, and require significant cost and power for 2D electronic scanning.
Innovation Solution
A dual-polarized antenna array for one-dimensional active electronically steerable arrays using open-ended waveguide elements with corporate networks and waveguide twists, allowing for compact packing and efficient scanning, with optional dielectric loading, ridging, and impedance matching layers, and incorporating waveguide bends and diplexers for full duplex operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of waveguide feed elements increases to support broader bandwidth operation, then the operational bandwidth increases, but the waveguide feed network becomes increasingly complex and space consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide feed network is segmented into multiple corporate networks, each serving a subset of radiating elements. This segmentation allows the overall system to support broader bandwidth through distributed feed structures while keeping individual network segments manageable in complexity and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar waveguide feed networks to three-dimensional corporate networks with elements arranged in multiple layers and depths. This dimensional expansion allows the feed network to accommodate broader bandwidth requirements without increasing the planar footprint, thereby managing complexity more effectively.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the broad-wall dimension of waveguide is increased to support lower frequencies, then the lowest frequency of operation decreases, but the inter-element spacing increases, limiting scan range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs three-dimensional corporate networks where waveguide elements are arranged in multiple layers along the broad-wall dimension. This vertical stacking allows the system to support lower frequencies (requiring larger broad-wall dimensions) while maintaining compact inter-element spacing in the scan plane, thereby preserving scan range performance.
3Area of stationary object
If waveguide feed network size is reduced to decrease inter-element spacing, then the inter-element spacing decreases, but the scan range performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by extending the waveguide feed network into the third dimension with multi-layer corporate networks. This allows compact inter-element spacing in the scan plane while maintaining adequate electrical length and signal distribution capabilities, thereby preserving scan range performance despite reduced planar footprint.
4Adaptability or versatility
If 2D electronic scanning is implemented, then the scanning dimension increases, but the cost and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning function into one-dimensional electronic scanning along the array axis using corporate networks, with the understanding that full 2D scanning can be achieved by combining this with mechanical positioning. This segmentation reduces the number of active beamforming channels required, thereby significantly reducing power consumption and cost while maintaining versatile scanning capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dual-polarized antenna array for a one-dimensional (ID) active electronically steerable array (AESA) includes first and second arrays of open-ended waveguide elements interleaved with one another, each array including a plurality of corporate networks extending transverse to a scan plane SP and having a series of the elements spaced transversely of the scan plane, and wherein each of element is coupled to a respective corporate network by a waveguide twist and oriented oblique to the scan plane. The waveguide elements of one array are oriented orthogonal to the waveguide elements of the other array.