Wireless Space-Fed Phased Array Unit Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phased array antennas are costly, difficult to transport and repair, and have high areal density due to monolithic construction, which limits their mobility and ease of disassembly for maintenance and deployment.
Innovation Solution
A wireless, space-fed phased array system with individually removable and replaceable unit cells that utilize microwave power and command signals to power and control the array, eliminating the need for internal power and signal distribution manifolds and allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If monolithic planar structures with contiguous conductors are used for phased arrays, then signal distribution and control are maintained, but transport difficulty and repair cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The phased array is divided into multiple independent modular units, each containing its own signal distribution manifolds and radiating elements. These modules can be independently replaced without affecting other modules, enabling easy repair and maintenance while maintaining reliable signal distribution within each module through contiguous conductors.
2Reliability
If large phased arrays are constructed as unitary entities, then signal and control continuity is ensured, but handling and transportation become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The large phased array is segmented into multiple transportable modules that can be handled and transported independently. Each module maintains internal signal continuity through its own manifolds, while the overall array achieves full signal continuity when modules are assembled together with interconnects.
3Reliability
If conventional power distribution manifolds are used, then power delivery is reliable, but areal density and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Conventional electrical power distribution manifolds are replaced with wireless power transfer technology. Power is transmitted wirelessly to each modular unit, eliminating the need for heavy physical power distribution conductors and manifolds, thereby reducing areal density and weight while maintaining reliable power delivery.
4Weight of moving object
If fiber optics are used for signal distribution, then weight is reduced, but power distribution capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates signal distribution and power distribution functions into different channels. Fiber optics are used for lightweight signal distribution, while wireless power transfer provides power delivery capability. Each modular unit receives both optical signals and wireless power, combining the advantages of both technologies.
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 system achieves a thin backplane with low areal density, facilitating easy transport and maintenance, enabling the use of non-planar antenna architectures and reducing the weight and cost of phased arrays while maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter configured to convert the beamed microwave power illuminating the first one of the antennas into direct current
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and methods for radar and communications applications. In one embodiment the present system comprises a wireless, space-fed, phased array of antennas including a plurality of unit cells. A first one of the unit cells includes a first one of the antennas and a unit cell command interpreter configured to receive a command, determine whether the command is intended for the first unit cell, and relay the command to logic for enabling a phase shift controller of the first antenna. In one embodiment the present methods comprise the step of wirelessly beaming microwave power from a power and control beam transmit unit to illuminate a wireless, space-fed, phased array of antennas including a plurality of unit cells. The method further comprises the steps of beaming a command to the array and converting the microwave power into direct current within a first one of the unit cells. The first unit cell includes a first one of the antennas. The method further comprises the steps of supplying the direct current to components of the first unit cell to power the first unit cell, receiving the command within the first unit cell, determining whether the command is intended for the first unit cell, and relaying the command to logic for enabling a phase shift controller of the first antenna.