Waveguide Feed Network for Dual-Polarized Planar Horn Array Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Waveguide feed networks for dual-polarized planar horn array antennas become complex and space-consuming as the number of antenna elements increases, leading to difficulties in maintaining a desired inter-element distance, which can result in grating lobes and limit the compactness and performance of the antenna array.
Innovation Solution
The use of septum polarizers to divide waveguides into groups for each polarization, combined with a compact waveguide feed network architecture that includes multiple stages of waveguide combiner/dividers, allows for a scalable and low-profile design that reduces inter-element distance and minimizes grating lobes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional waveguide feed networks are used for dual-polarized planar horn array antennas, then signal transmission is achieved, but the network becomes complex and space-consuming as the number of antenna elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide feed network is segmented into functional modules: septum polarizers that split waveguides into polarization groups, combiner/divider stages that distribute signals, and intermediate waveguides that connect stages. This modular segmentation reduces overall network complexity by organizing the feed structure into manageable, repeating units that scale efficiently with the number of antenna elements.
2Quantity of substance
If more antenna elements are added to the array, then array coverage and performance are improved, but the inter-element distance cannot be maintained due to feed network size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The feed network utilizes three-dimensional waveguide routing with multiple propagation directions. Intermediate waveguides extend in different spatial dimensions, allowing the network to accommodate more antenna elements without increasing the planar footprint. This dimensional approach enables maintaining inter-element distance while scaling the array size.
3Loss of energy
If rectangular waveguides are used for signal transmission, then low loss is achieved, but lateral space occupation is excessive making it difficult to bring antenna elements close together
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple waveguide paths are nested within a compact three-dimensional structure. The waveguide feed network routes signals through intermediate waveguides that are positioned in nested arrangements, allowing efficient use of lateral space while maintaining the low-loss rectangular waveguide transmission medium.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If inter-element distance is reduced to avoid grating lobes, then radiation pattern quality is improved, but the feed network becomes even more constrained in space
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide feed network employs dynamic routing paths with intermediate waveguides that can adaptively connect antenna elements at reduced spacing. The combiner/divider stages provide flexible signal distribution that accommodates tighter element spacing while maintaining proper signal amplitude and phase relationships, enabling grating lobe suppression without excessive feed network expansion.
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 a compact, low-profile dual-polarized antenna array with reduced grating lobes and improved performance over a wide bandwidth, allowing for closer placement of radiating elements while maintaining efficient signal propagation.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of septum polarizers dividing common waveguides into first waveguides associated with a first polarization and second waveguides associated with a second polarization
Data Source
AI summary
A waveguide structure for a compact and scalable dual-polarized antenna array. In one example, a waveguide device comprises septum polarizers dividing common waveguides into first waveguides associated with a first polarization and second waveguides associated with a second polarization. The sets of septum polarizers may be inverted relative to each other to form first groups of four adjacent first waveguides for each type of waveguide. The waveguide device may also include a waveguide feed network including a first waveguide feed stage including waveguide combiner/dividers coupled between the four adjacent waveguides intermediate waveguides. The waveguide device may further include a second waveguide feed stage coupled with the first intermediate waveguides and the second intermediate waveguides, wherein the second waveguide feed stage extends in a direction perpendicular to the first waveguide feed stage.