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US 20100079347A1

(19) United States


(2) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2010/0079347 A1
Hayes et al. (43) Pub. Date: Apr. 1, 2010
(54) SELECTABLE BEAMANTENNA (52) U.S. Cl. .......................... 343/705; 343/876; 343/713
(76) Inventors: David Hayes, Hampshire (GB); (57) ABSTRACT
Richard Brooke Keeton, A selectable beam antenna of generally linear, polygonal,
Hampshire (GB) planar or polyhedral form, able to operate at microwave and
millimetre wave frequencies, and constructed from associ
Correspondence Address: ated networks that incorporate radio frequency switches, time
Iandioro Teska & Coleman delays and amplitude weights positioned within a set of inter
260 Bear Hill Road leaved transmission, lines or waveguides to simultaneously
Waltham, MA 02451 (US) perform both beam-forming and beam selection operations,
which selectable beam antenna comprises: (i) a single RP
(21) Appl. No.: 12/448,927 antenna port connected to a 1-to-N corporate feed means,
where N is greater than or equal to 2; (ii) a EF switch network
(22) PCT Filed: Jan. 15, 2008 means of N/q multi-pole-multi-throw radio frequency switch
means (qPMT) connected to the corporate feed means; (iii) a
(86) PCT No.: PCT/GB2008/000126 RF distribution means of NXM singularly or multiply inter
leaved lines arranged so as to have approximately equal trans
371 (c)(1), mission length connected to the switch means, where M is the
(2), (4) Date: Jul. 15, 2009 number of throws associated with each radio frequency
(30) Foreign Application Priority Data switch means (qPMT); (iv) an antenna launch means of MXM
interleaved antenna element sub-groups of S linear or planar
elements, where S is greater than or equal to one, Corporately
Jan. 19, 2007 (GB) ................................... 07.01090.3 connected to the distribution means and arranged to closely
Publication Classification
follow at sub-wavelength intervals a closed are or segment of
a closed surface; and (v) an overall electronic control means
(51) Int. Cl. to set all radio frequency switches in such a way to select, to
H010 3/24 (2006.01) time delay and to amplitude weight the activated interleaved
H010 I/28 (2006.01) antenna launch elements and thus generate one of the possible
H010 I/32 (2006.01) directed, antenna beams.

DIAGRAM 2A 5\s.
Patent Application Publication Apr. 1, 2010 Sheet 1 of 13 US 2010/0079347 A1

Wieans 6

BEAM SELECT Antenna Beam Selection Control Means


Control Word
Select Distribution Feed Lines Select Element Feed Lines

Launch EMWave
|N|OUT

AMeans 2 Means 3 Means 5

FIGURE 1
Patent Application Publication Apr. 1, 2010 Sheet 2 of 13 US 2010/0079347 A1

DIAGRAM 2A

{}}AGRAM 2B

FIGURE 2
Patent Application Publication Apr. 1, 2010 Sheet 3 of 13 US 2010/0079347 A1

5b

D?AGRAM 3B Sas C. > * ~~~

a? 7a > 2 5b
7b
/78 2b

FiGURE 3
Patent Application Publication Apr. 1, 2010 Sheet 5 of 13 US 2010/0079347 A1

DAGRAM 5A

DIAGRAM 5B *~s/
29
2.

FIGURE 5
atent Application Publication Apr. 1, 2010 Sheet 6 of 13 US 2010/0079347 A1
Patent Application Publication Apr. 1, 2010 Sheet 7 of 13 US 2010/0079347 A1

DIAGRAM7A s DIAGRAMTB

DIAGRAM 7C DIAGRAM 7D

FIGURE 7
Patent Application Publication Apr. 1, 2010 Sheet 8 of 13 US 2010/0079347 A1

*
*** *** * *.
*
*
*
*
*

*
*

i)|AGRAM 8A *
*
*
*
DiAGRAM 88
*

ii *
23

24

FIGURE 8
Patent Application Publication Apr. 1, 2010 Sheet 9 of 13 US 2010/0079347 A1

DIAGRAM 9A A B C

FIGURE 9
Patent Application Publication Apr. 1, 2010 Sheet 10 of 13 US 2010/0079347 A1

{}}AGRAAA 10A

DIAGRAM 10B

FiGURE 10
Patent Application Publication Apr. 1, 2010 Sheet 11 of 13 US 2010/0079347 A1

FIGURE 11
Patent Application Publication Apr. 1, 2010 Sheet 12 of 13 US 2010/0079347 A1

FIGURE 12
Patent Application Publication Apr. 1, 2010 Sheet 13 of 13 US 2010/0079347 A1

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66

RF INIOUT

FIGURE 13
US 2010/0079347 A1 Apr. 1, 2010

SELECTABLE BEAM ANTENNA geometries which for linear, circular, planar, spherical and
cylindrical cases exhibits closed rotational and reflection sub
FIELD OF THE INVENTION group topological symmetries for each potential beam posi
tion.
[0001] This invention relates to a selectable beam antenna
and, more especially, this invention relates to a selectable [0011] The selectable beam antenna may be one in which
bean antenna that employs a minimum number, or close to the interleaved lines are fed from a common corporate feed
minimum number, of low cost radio frequency (RF) switches, point, connected, for example, to the radio frequency front
time delays and amplitude weights positioned within a set of end of a communications system or radar sensor. The
interleaved transmission lines or waveguides to perform switched lines may in turn connect to antenna launch ele
simultaneously both beamforming and beam selection opera ments arranged at sub-wavelength intervals, in such a way to
tions. closely follow planar, circular, cylindrical, spherical or other
closed surface geometries or sub-regions thereof. When set
DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART appropriately, the radio frequency switches allow a contigu
ous set of adjacent launch elements to be selected and so
[0002] The technology and application of circular, spheri produce a directed beam, approximately normal to the cir
cal and other closed surface antenna arrays is well known. In cumscribing surface of the selected elements. The minimum
general, such arrays use transmit/receive modules that are beamwidth of the directed beam is directly related to the
independently able to control the amplitude and phase of each number of elements selected and the associated maximum
element or employ complex beam forming networks based on physical extent of the selected segment.
Fourier (e.g. Butler Matrices) or other orthogonal transfor [0012] The selectable launch elements may be of broad
mations. Other antenna approaches employ the use of con angular coverage and may be arranged around a circle. Alter
trollable plasma reflectors to select and weight feed lines to nate elements may be selected via two interleaved radio fre
such arrays. quency switch networks where all transmission line lengths
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
have been adjusted to be approximately equal, (e.g. to within
7/16, where A is the wavelength). In this way, co-phased
[0003] The present invention aims to simplify, reduce the selectable apertures of two element widths have been created.
cost, and extends the range of application of the prior art That is, if there are N elements arranged around the circle,
antenna designs. there will be N beam positions of equal beam spacing (i.e.
[0004] Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of 360/n), each with an effective aperture of almost two ele
the present invention, there is provided a selectable beam ments width. By introducing groups of simply controllable
antenna of generally linear, polygonal, planar or polyhedral elements at the ends the interleaved transmissions lines the
form, able to operate at microwave and millimetre wave fre number of selected adjacent elements may be increased and
quencies, and constructed from associated networks that the associated beamwidth reduced and directivity patterns
incorporate radio frequency switches, time delays and ampli improved. By allowing multiple interleaving and appropriate
tude weights positioned within a set of interleaved transmis selectable path length adjustments the number of selectable
sion lines or waveguides to simultaneously perform both elements may be further increased. By introducing control
beam forming and beam selection operations, which select lable impedance adjustments within the transmission lines,
able beam antenna comprises: useful aperture weightings may be included, and so improve
[0005] (i) a single RF antenna port connected to a 1-to-N further the sidelobe performance of the antenna. Due to the
corporate feed means, where N is greater than or equal to corporate lines being shared between all beam positions, such
2; time and amplitude weights are most economically intro
[0006] (ii) a RF switch network means of N/q multi duced in the corporate feed to the interleaved networks, but
pole-multi-throw radio frequency switch means (qPMT) may also be included directly behind groups of antenna ele
connected to corporate feed means; ments positioned at the end of the interleaved networks.
[0007] (iii) a RF distribution means of NXM singularly or [0013] In general, a balance will exist between the number
multiply interleaved lines arranged so as to have of required beams together with their associated beamwidths
approximately equal transmission length connected to and the chosen interleaving and selectable path length adjust
the switch means, where M is the number of throws ment strategy. The surface geometry of the antenna deter
associated with each radio frequency switch means mines this adjustment strategy and may be further con
(qPMT) (i.e. q Poles and MThrows); strained to minimise the number of low cost radio frequency
[0008] (iv) an antenna launch means of NXM interleaved switches, amplitude weights and printed delay lines. The
antenna element sub-groups of S linear or planar ele surface geometry of the antenna can be composed entirely of
ments, where S is greater than or equal to one, corpo flat printed patch elements following a wide range of geodesic
rately connected to the distribution means and arranged surfaces such as, regular polygons, Platonic solids or Johnson
to closely follow at sub-wavelength internals a dosed arc polyhedra. It is the richness of the rotational and reflection
or segment of a surface; and symmetry groups about common vertices, common sides and
[0009] (v) an overall electronic control means to set all common faces associated with a particular linear, polygonal
radio frequency switches in such a way to select, to time or polyhedral topology that will directly determine the degree
delay and to amplitude weight the activated interleaved of simplification possible within the combined beamforming
antenna launch elements and thus generate one of the and beam switching network.
possible directed antenna beams. [0014] The present invention may be constructed on low
[0010] The selectable beam antenna is able to achieve sim loss, radio frequency printed circuit boards (PCBs), using
plification due to the interleaved switching network and cor freely available, state of the art, low cost, bi-directional,
porate/cross-over networks exploiting the polyhedral surface single pole multi-throw radio frequency switches (SPMT)
US 2010/0079347 A1 Apr. 1, 2010

and radio frequency crossover switches, or integrated combi [0024] The selectable beam antenna may be one in which
nations thereof, that introduce very low insertion losses and the antenna launch means utilises corporately fed cross-over
obviate the need for any further electronic components, such switch networks to perform useful rotational and reflection
as expensive phase shifters, quadrature hybrids or quadrature permutations that exploit the selectable antennas' linear,
modulators used in other alternative electronically steered polygonal, planar or polyhedral topology.
antennas. Since the present invention uses wideband switches [0025] The selectable beam antenna may be one in which
along with selectable fixed line lengths of wide bandwidth, the antenna launch means are printed circuit board structures
the overall bandwidth of the antenna is only limited by ele in the form polygonal modules that can be interconnected to
ment designs and the inter-element spacing. Although, not a form rigid geodesic structures.
requirement of the present invention, radio frequency low [0026] The selectable beam antenna may be one in which
noise amplifiers, (LNAs) and power amplifiers, (PAs) may be low noise amplifiers and power amplifiers are introduced into
included within the radio frequency interleaved distribution transmission lines to compensate for line losses and distribute
network to improve the overall sensitivity and power han power devices to so improve sensitivity and increase power
dling of the antenna. transmitted respectively.
[0015] The selectable beam antenna may be one in which [0027] The selectable beam antenna may be one in which
the corporate feed means and the RF distribution means the polyhedral structures are be transformed to conform to a
include transmission line lengths and appropriately weighted geometric surface, such for example as the nose of an aircraft
splits to produce a required beam pattern, prior to the RF or the windscreen of a car.
switch network means. [0028] The antenna of the present invention may have the
[0016] The selectable beam antenna may be one in which following advantageous characteristics.
the closed arc or segment of the dosed surface is a plane, a [0029] Minimal, or close to minimal, interconnect strat
cylinder, a sphere or a closed polyhedral surface. egy.
[0017] The selectable beam antenna may be one in which [0030) Compact construction, due to close minimal rep
each of the S corporate lines to the S individual antenna lication of space consuming time delays.
element contains a time delay and amplitude control means to [0031) Low loss and high efficiency, due to interleaved
help compensate for the surface curvature and sub-wave interconnect strategy.
length sampling, in the form of a set of selectable transmis [0032) Reliable operation, due to interleaved corporate
sion lines of varying line length. interconnect strategy.
[0033] Wideband operation, due to interleaved intercon
[0018] The selectable beam antenna may be one in which nect strategy.
the corporate feed and the radio frequency distribution means [0034] Low cost construction using radio frequency
make use of the topological rotational and reflection symme PCBs and switch components for beam selection.
tries of the linear, polygonal, planar or polyhedral antenna [0035] Robust construction due to linear, planar or geo
surface to reduce the overall complexity and associated size desic construction.
of the antenna assembly. [0036] Fast beam switching time due to simple intercon
[0019] The selectable beam antenna may be one in which nect strategy of minimal depth.
the corporate feed and the radio frequency distribution means [0037] Full 360 azimuth operation extendable to full
utilise corporately fed cross-over switch networks to perform spherical coverage.
useful rotational and reflection permutations that exploit the [0038] Integrated low noise and power amplification for
selectable beam antennas linear, polygonal, planar or poly enhanced receiver and transmitter performance.
hedral topology.
[0020) The selectable beam antenna may be one in which BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
the antenna launch means exploits the topological rotational [0039) Embodiments of the invention will now be
and reflection symmetries of the linear, polygonal, planar or described solely by way of example and with reference to the
polyhedral antenna surface to reduce the overall complexity accompanying drawings in which:
and associated size of the antenna assembly. [0040] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a selectable beam
[0021] The selectable beam antenna may be one in which antenna;
the multiple pole, multiple throw radio frequency switch ele [0041] FIG. 2 shows a selectable beam antenna that con
ments are radio frequency PIN diode switches, radio fre trasts a non-interleaved (2A) and a doubly interleaved (2B)
quency micro-electromechanical devices or radio frequency switch network;
plasma distribution devices. [0042] FIG. 3 shows a selectable beam antenna that illus
[0022] The selectable beam antenna may be one in which trates a triply interleaved switch network for two adjacent
the corporate feeds, distribution lines, time delays and ampli beam positions (3A and 3B);
tude weights that are associated the corporate feed means, the [0043] FIG. 4 shows a selectable beam antenna that utilises
radio frequency switch network means and the radio fre a corporate network of selectable, amplitude weighted time
quency distribution means are constructed using microwave delays;
transmission lines on radio frequency printed circuit board, [0044] FIG. 5 shows a selectable beam antenna that shows
and the radio frequency switches and radio frequency cross a doubly interleaved network feeding paired elements fed
overs are surface mounted on or wire-bonded to the printed through controllable cross-over switches for two adjacent
circuit board. beam positions (5A and 5B);
[0023] The selectable beam antenna may be one in which [0045] FIG. 6 shows a selectable beam antenna that shows
the antenna launch means are one dimensional or two dimen a quadruply interleaved network feeding octagonally
sional arrays of corporately fed printed dipoles, Vivaldis, arranged elements, fed through a pair of controllable cross
Yagis, spirals or patches. over switches for eight adjacent beam positions (6A and 6B);
US 2010/0079347 A1 Apr. 1, 2010

[0046] FIG. 7 shows four suitable polyhedral surfaces (7A, throw switches interfaced directly to antenna launch ele
7B, 7C & 7D) for a selectable beam antenna; ments, conforming to elementary polyhedral structures. All
[0047] FIG. 8 shows a selectable beam antenna (8A) util of which may constructed using low loss dielectric printed
ising a corporately fed group of launch elements (8B); circuit boards (PCBs), supported by a mechanical structure or
[0048] FIG.9 shows five examples (9A to 9E) of polygonal framework and enclosed within a protective radome.
element structures and their associated corporate time delays [0056] In general, the switch networks are chosen to intro
suitable for use within a selectable antenna; duce minimum insertion loss and generally reduce system
[0049] FIG. 10 shows two examples of the use of low loss complexity. This is achieved by exploiting the rotational and
controllable cross-over networks within selectable beam reflection symmetries of the antennas polyhedral array faces
antennas; and so reducing by decomposition the unnecessary repetition
[0050] FIG. 11 shows an example of a polyhedron utilising of both switches, amplitude weights and time delays. Further
both hexagonal and pentagonal element launch structures more, by utilising high dielectric printed circuit board mate
within selectable beam antenna providing full spherical cov rials the required corporate feeds, time delays and amplitude
erage; weights may be made more compact and the physical surface
[0051] FIG. 12 shows an example of a selectable beam areas of the distribution networks minimised, thus reducing
antenna utilising the reflection symmetry of linear array to weight and potentially saving cost.
reduce the number of switchelements, amplitude weights and [0057] It is important to recognise that the total switch
time delays; and network for the selectable beam antenna is hierarchical and
[0052] FIG. 13 shows an example of a selectable beam can usefully be broken down into a central distribution
antenna utilising two dimensional reflection symmetry for a board containing Means 1 to 3 and individual array face
planar array to provide full two dimensional scanning and to boards containing Means 4 and 5. These boards may be
reduce the number of switchelements, amplitude weights and linked together using low-loss flexible coaxial cables that
time delays. allow crossovers to take place so avoiding the need for cross
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
ing radio frequency tracks on the radio frequency PCBs.
EMBODIMENTS
Alternatively, either multilayer boards or passive crossovers
may be employed. The hierarchical nature of the selectable
[0053] Referring to the drawings, the underlying compo antenna allow low noise amplifiers (LNAs) and power ampli
ments and scope of the present invention are identified at a top fiers (PAs) to be distributed in such a way to compensate for
level in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, a block diagram shows the key unacceptable switch insertion and transmission line losses.
elements of the selectable beam antenna. [0058] Various configurations will now be described that
[0054]. Referring to FIG. 1 and describing the selectable convey the above preferred features and embodiments. In the
beam antenna serially from left to right, it will be sent that the following text, these antenna systems will be described in
antenna interfaces directly to external driver electronics, their transmit mode only. Due to the bi-directional nature of
which might be a communications or radar front end, via a all the components (i.e. switches, transmission lines, corpo
bi-directional radio frequency input/output port. This port rate feeds and antenna elements) that are used, there follows
connects to an N-way corporate feed with the option to time directly, without need for further elucidation herein, a totally
delay and to amplitude weight the corporate feeds N lines, reciprocal explanation for the receive mode.
(Means 1). These N lines feed a switch network which dis [0059] FIG. 2 contrasts a conventional, circular array
tributes N signals across M lines, where M is greater than or antenna with an interleaved design. Both designs conform to
equal to 2. For example, using an N single pole multiple throw an octagonal layout of eight antenna elements, such as
switches (SPMT) or a multiple pole multiple throw switch dipoles. In the conventional design (Diagram 2A) only one
network that employs cross-over switches to permute the element 4, has been selected via switch 3, from input line 1,
corporate feeds N lines, (Means 2). The resulting MXN lines that is, all other switches 2, and elements 5 have not been
link directly to a set of M interleaved lines, (Means 3). Each selected. Whereas, in the interleaved design, (Diagram 2B),
interleaved line connects to a further S way corporate feed two adjacent elements 4, have been selected by switches 3,
employing switch or cross-over networks which allow a small from input line 1, that is, all other switches 2, and elements 5
number of alternative time delays and amplitude weights to have not been selected. To further understand the differences
be selected, (Means 4). S is greater than or equal to 1. The S between the two antenna configurations it is important to
delayed and weighted lines connect directly to an array face appreciate that radio frequency switches are usually designed
of Santenna elements, (Means 5). The NXM array faces are to select one output port from multiple output ports. Such
configured to closely follow a line, circle, plane, sphere, radio frequency switches can either be designed specifically
cylinder orother dosed geometry and generally will configure for purpose or bought as low cost integrated units capable of
a polyhedral surface. Each array face on the polyhedral sur selecting 1 of n lines, where n is typically 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8. Such
face need not be identical and may contain different arrange switches are designed to have very low insertion losses and
ments of elements spaced at sub-wavelength intervals. The operate from DC to the maximum required frequency of the
selection of the various switch options is controlled via an antenna. The greater the number of output ports to select
external control mechanism, such as a micro-controller, from, the greater will be the switch insertion loss. Thus, the
which may, for example, contain a look-up table to generate interleaved approach benefits from both lower switch inser
the necessary switch control lines from a beam select control tion loss and higher antenna gain. The higher antenna gain is
word, (Means 5). achieved due to two adjacent elements having been selected
[0055] Thus, the selectable beam antenna, in a preferred to allow spatial combining. In effect the interleaved design
embodiment, may be implemented using a hierarchy of inter combines both the beamforming and the beam selection
leaved corporate structures, providing lines with controlled operations into one compact, highly efficient network. In the
time delays and amplitude weights, and multi-pole, multi interleaved design, it is important that adjacent lines are kept
US 2010/0079347 A1 Apr. 1, 2010

crossover switches and the two states of the double throw selection of two adjacent, inclined faces, with each face con
interleaving switches allow all four adjacent elements to be taining two adjacent elements, has already been described in
cycled around. In effect, the combination of cross-over the context of FIG. 5. In Diagram 8B, the two elements have
switches and multi-throw switches provide all necessary been increased to two corporately fed columns printed on a
route permutations. common PCB substrate 22. The PCB also contains the radio
[0064] The approach just described for a selectable beam frequency crossover switch 23, with asymmetric track
antenna in FIG. 6 can readily be extended to any polygonal lengths 24, in corporately fed input lines to provide the pat
antenna arrangement that can be interleaved, (i.e. a polygon tern alignment between adjacent boards. The complete
arrangement with divisible number of sides) and requires a antenna configuration provides a cost effective way of achiev
selection of n adjacent elements, provided n is cyclically ing 360 coverage using eight 45 beams, suitable for a
permutable, using a network of cross-over switches. Alterna WiMAX basestation. At a centre frequency of 5.5 GHz such
tively, the number of elements may be increased by pairing a configuration would be approximately 20 cm in diameter by
the elements in the way described in the text associated with 40 cm in height and would provide around 20 dBi of gain,
FIG. 5. Different delays and weights may be added to cope switch and system losses having been taken into account.
with different antenna surface curvatures extending over [0068] FIG. 9 illustrates various arrangements of antenna
more elements by increasing the number of switch positions elements on regular polygonal faces. The antenna elements
associate with the switch networks. Any reflection symmetry are depicted as circular patches on printed circuit board
halves the required number of time delays and amplitude (PCB) modules. The PCB modules are suitable for selectable
weights. beam antennas based on polyhedral configuration. Diagram
[0065] FIG. 7 illustrates a number of polyhedra with 9A shows a triangular board with both a single and a triple
topologies suitable for the array faces of selectable beam configuration of elements 26 and 27. For the single patch case
antennas, some of which are able to provide full spherical 26, no further on-board circuitry is necessary. For the triple
coverage. Diagram 7A shows a cube with alternate sides patch case 27, extra circuitry is required to allow two adjacent
shaded. Diagram 7B shows at sided polyhedra with a two triangular boards to align their beam patterns about their
octagonal sides (top and bottom) and eight rectangular, (or common sides, there being three such circumstances. The
square) sides. Diagram 7C shows a dodecahedron, a Platonic necessary circuitry 28, is illustrated as three paired SPDT
solid made up of twelve pentagonal faces. Diagram 7D shows switches with time delays, of length almost zero (or t0) in
an icosahedron, a Platonic solid made up of twenty regular their alternative paths. The use of paired switches in series on
triangular faces. As well as the Platonic solids, there are both input and output ensures a good match and high isola
Archimedean, Johnson and other well known forms of poly tion. Diagrams 9B to 9E illustrate square, pentagonal, hex
hedra. Such polyhedra can be extended to further useful geo agonal and octagonal cases. For single patches, 29, 32, 35 and
desic forms by truncation relative to a circumscribing sphere, 38, no extra circuitry is required. For multiple patch layouts,
whose radius is allowed to vary and act as a truncation thresh 30, 33, 36 and 39, extra circuitry is required to allow beam
old around vertices protruding through the sphere. In general, alignment across common sides. The extra circuitry, 31, 34,
any polyhedron, or contiguous subset thereof, that is made up 37 and 40, increases in complexity with increasing numbers
of a relatively small number of regular polygonal face types of patches. An extra time delay is required for each different
provides a useful surface for a selectable beam antenna, espe distance between the common side and the centre of each
cially if there exists reflection symmetries about vertices and patch. For example, for the pentagonal case, three different
rotational symmetries about polygonal array faces. That is, delays, t, ti, to are necessary and for the octagonal case five
each array face, side or vertex of the polyhedron can act as delays, t, ti, t2, t2, to are required. It will be noted that due
centre of symmetry about which an extended antenna aper to symmetry the number of delays is n/2 or n/2+1, where n is
ture can be formed. The time delays and amplitude weights the number of sides to the polygon. It will be further noted that
associated with producing a beam that is suitable for one face multiple faces may be associated about common vertices,
will repeat for all similar geometries under reflection and underthese circumstances the alternative delays must be rela
rotation. Using the spherical thresholding process described tive to the distances of the individual patches to the common
above, polyhedra may be found to support almost any level of vertex rather than the common side. Similarly, multiple faces
beam pointing granularity and beam shape It is also noted that may be associated with common centre array face, under
polyhedra conforming to a sphere can be unambiguously these circumstances the alternative delays must be relative to
transformed, (or mapped), on to surface of similar topology the distances of the individual patches to the common face.
such as a curved nose cone of an aircraft, thus allowing for the Clearly, sides, vertices and centre faces are can all be used
possibility of significantly simplifying the electronic com provided the correct number of predetermined delays has
plexity of conformal arrays. The corporate feeds, the cross been incorporated in the extra circuitry.
over networks, the multi-throw switching networks and the [0069] FIG. 10 indicates how crossover switches may
interleaved lines for these polyhedral configurations are sometimes be used within a selectable beam antenna as alter
essentially as previously described, except the alternate feed natives to sets of single pole multiple throw switches, SPMTs.
lines need to be routed in three dimensions to the array faces Diagram 10A shows two adjacent array faces of an eight sided
and the number of interleaved feed lines depends on how polyhedra based on an hexagonal array face configuration 44.
many adjacent surfaces need to be addressed simultaneously. The basic beamforming network based upon alternative
[0066] Some selectable beam antennas based around poly timed delays 41, is contrasted with the equivalent cross-over
hedral geodesic surfaces will now be discussed in terms of network 42. In certain technologies (e.g. PIN switches), the
their preferred embodiments. insertion loss of the cross-over network is often less due to
[0067] In FIG. 8, Diagram 8A shows a selectable beam only one level of switching being required to properly match
antenna based on a ten sided polyhedron configuration, eight the radio frequency ports. Moreover, the crossover circuitry
octagonal sides of which are active. The antenna element can be more compact since the time delays are not repeated.
US 2010/0079347 A1 Apr. 1, 2010

For later clarity, a simplified diagram for the crossover switch required by a more conventional approach. That is, the mul
has been given, 43. Diagram 10B shows three adjacent array tiple interleaving network 60, actually selects pairs of array
faces for a ten sided polyhedra based mostly upon an inclined elements, starting with the middle pair and finishing with the
array offive square faces 48. The basic beamforming circuitry outer pair, transmission line path lengths between all tracks
for any array face has to allow for either horizontal or vertical are equalised. Note that this pair-wise interleaving operation
pairing of adjacent faces. Circuitry that uses single level, is a simple hardwired permutation process requiring multiple
multiple SPMT switches 45, is contrasted with an equivalent radio frequency tracks to crossover. When connected to the
crossovernetwork, 46. An equivalent diagrammatic represen four 2-way crossover switches, 61, this multiple interleaving
tation 47, makes it clear that two levels of crossover switching process allows one half of the array to be exchanged with the
are required for the two dimensional case considered here and other half of the array. Using the eight unit time delay, one of
as a result there is likely to be no advantage in improved four, incremental time delay vectors (t, 1, t_2, . . . ts) are
insertion loss over the multiple SPMT case 45. However the distributed across the array, where r =1, 2, 3 or 4. The four
time delays need only be repeated twice rather than four reverse order delays are produced by simply switching the
times. It should be noted that the multiple SPMT configura crossover switches. The 4 way, amplitude weighted corporate
tion allows for equal time delays being applied to all antenna feed distributes a symmetric amplitude taper (i.e. W4, W1,
elements, which is useful when the centre array face is refer W3, W2, W2, W3, W1, W4 for the way labelled and drawn)
ence to its surrounding neighbours. across the array face.
[0070] To illustrate further the advantageous use of rota [0073] The decomposition as described may easily be
tional and reflection symmetries in the context of selectable extended to other sizes of linear array. When the number of
beam antennas, FIG. 11 shows a fully spherical geodesic elements is odd, the centre element is pivoted around and, as
array face based upon a doubly truncated icosahedron 49. such requires no selectable time delay or cross-over and sim
Firstly, it is noted that adjacent array faces may grouped ply takes its input directly from the amplitude weighted cor
together 51 and 54, around central array faces 52 and 55. In porate feed, with its feed length appropriately equalised rela
this example, the central faces have been created by truncat tive to the other elements.
ing the icosahedron about it vertices and are therefore easily [0074] The approach may naturally be extended to two
denumerated. Secondly, it is noted that group 50, is a rotation dimensional beamsteering for a square or rectangular array
and reflection of 54, and therefore can use the same time delay face, using the orthogonal decomposition shown FIG. 13.
and amplitude weight setting. If these settings are placed in Here, the network shown in FIG. 12 has been repeated eight
common central switching network, as discussed in the con times, 64. The network has beenbroken down into a crossover
text of FIG. 6, there is no need for replication, with associated network 65, and four time delay/amplitude weighting selec
savings in space and cost, moreover the number of replica tion modules 66. The eight networks are connected orthogo
tions of such subgroups is generally greater for polyhedral nally to the network shown in FIG. 12, with its eight antenna
surfaces than polygonal geometries. Thirdly, it is noted that elements removed. In order to make up for switch losses PA
centre face arrays with multiple elements 52 and 55, can and LNA amplification may usefully be introduced at this
simply be corporately fed with further time delays. However point. The crossover network, 65, and selection modules 66,
surrounding multi-element adjacent faces do need to be time may be used.
delayed and amplitude weighted according to the curvature [0075] This basic orthogonalisation may be used with any
and frequency of operation. size of regularly arranged n by m array of elements, for pxq
[0071] In general, the decomposition of the geodesic sur beam positions. The array elements should be spaced to
face into appropriate sub-groups will depend on the required avoiding grating lobes at the maximum frequency of opera
beamwidth and required fields of view of the selectable beam tion. In terms of construction, the layout of FIG. 13 suggests
antenna. The greater the number of rotational and reflection a rack of radio frequency PCBs may be suitable approach.
groups within the polyhedral topology the greater the number However, it should be recognised that numerous other printed
of potential beam positions. These beam positions will about layout are possible, provided equal transmission line lengths
radial lines through common vertices 56, common sides 57, can be maintained without introducing too much loss. For
and common centre array faces 58, as these are the principle example, the whole 2D switched beam structure may be con
axes of symmetry. Moreover, by employing these basic topo figured on a single board and used as part of a polyhedral
logical constraints, together with certain polarisation restric array, previously described within the context of FIG. 11. In
tions (e.g. the antenna elements are circularly polarised for a general, by utilising the crossover network, 65, and selection
spherically based topology), the resulting beam patterns will modules, 66, significant saving in radio frequency switch
be largely symmetric about most axial cuts. It is finally noted matrix complexity will result for all such rectangular planar
that for certain polyhedra the sides may not always be regular array faces.
polygons. In such cases, the required time delays may still be
reduced to a very small set on the bases of acceptable pertur
bations in beamwidth and sidelobes. 1. A selectable beam antenna of generally linear, polygo
[0072] In FIG. 12, by way of illustration, an eight element nal, planar or polyhedral form, able to operate at microwave
linear array of antenna 59 is depicted connected via a multiple and millimetre wave frequencies, and constructed from asso
interleaving network, 60, to a group of four 2-way cross-over ciated networks that incorporate radio frequency switches,
switch networks 61, to an eight unit time delay switching time delays and amplitude weights positioned within a set of
network 62, which is fed by a 4-way amplitude weighted interleaved transmission lines or waveguides to simulta
corporate feed 63. It will be noted that reflection symmetry neously perform both beam forming and beam selection
about the centre of the linear array has been exploited to allow operations, which selectable beam antenna comprises:
left and right time delay steering, for eight angular settings of (i) a single RF antenna port connected to a 1-to-N corporate
the array, using half the number of switches and time delays feed means, where N is greater than or equal to 2;
US 2010/0079347 A1 Apr. 1, 2010

(ii) a RF switch network means of N/q multi-pole-multi and reflection symmetries of the linear, polygonal, planar or
throw radio frequency switch means (qPMT) connected polyhedral antenna surface to reduce the overall complexity
to corporate feed means; and associated size of the antenna assembly.
(iii) a RF distribution of NXM singularly or multiply inter 8. A selectable beam antenna according to claim 1 in which
leaved lines arranged so as to have approximately equal the multiple pole, multiple throw radio frequency switch ele
transmission length connected to the switch means,
where M is the number of throws associated with each ments are radio frequency PIN diode switches, radio fre
radio frequency switch means (qPMT); quency micro-electromechanical devices or radio frequency
(iv) an antenna launch means of NXM interleaved antenna plasma distribution devices.
element sub-groups of S linear or planar elements, 9. A selectable beam antenna according to claim 1 in which
where S is greater than or equal to one, corporately the corporate feeds, distribution lines, time delays and ampli
connected to the distribution means and arranged to tude weights that are associated the corporate feed means, the
closely follow at sub-wavelength internals a closed arc radio frequency switch network means and the radio fre
or segment of a surface; and quency distribution means are constructed using microwave
(v) an overall electronic control means to set all radio transmission lines on radio frequency printed circuit board,
frequency switches in such a way to select, to time delay and the radio frequency switches and radio frequency cross
and to amplitude weight the activated interleaved
antenna launch elements and thus generate one of the overs are surface mounted on or wire-bound to the printed
circuit board.
possible directed antenna beams.
2. A selectable beam antenna according to claim 1 in which 10. A selectable beam antenna according to claim 1 in
the corporate feed means and the RF distribution means which the antenna launch means are one dimensional or two
include transmission line lengths and appropriately weighted dimensional arrays of corporately fed printed dipoles, Vival
splits to produce a required beam pattern, prior to RF switch dis, Yagis, spirals or patches.
network means. 11. A selectable beam antenna according to claim 1 in
3. A selectable beam antenna according to claim 1 in which which the antenna launch means utilises corporately fed
the closed arc or segment of the surface is a plane, a cylinder, cross-over switch networks to perform useful rotational and
a sphere or a closed polyhedral surface. reflection permutations that exploit the selectable beam
4. A selectable beam antenna according to claim 1 in which antennas linear, polygonal, planar or polyhedral topology.
each of the S corporate lines to the S individual antenna
elements contains a time delay and amplitude control means 12. A selectable beam antenna according to claim 1 in
to help compensate for the surface curvature and sub-wave which the antenna launch means are printed circuit board
length sampling, in the form of a set of selectable transmis structures in the form polygonal modules that can be inter
sion lines of varying line length. connected to form rigid geodesic structures.
5. A selectable beam antenna according to claim 1 in which 13. A selectable beam antenna according to claim 1 in
the corporate feed and the RF distribution means make use of which low noise amplifiers and power amplifiers are intro
the topological rotational and reflection symmetries of the duced into transmission lines to compensate for line losses
linear, polygonal, planar or polyhedral antenna surface to and distribute power devices to so improve sensitivity and
reduce the overall complexity and associated size of the increase power transmitted respectively.
antenna assembly.
6. A selectable beam antenna according to claim 1 in which 14. A selectable beam antenna according to claim 1 in
the corporate feed and the radio frequency distribution means which the polyhedral structures are transformed to conform
utilize corporately fed crossover switch networks to perform to a geometric surface.
useful rotational and reflection permutations that exploit the 15. A selectable beam antenna according to claim 14 in
selectable beam antennas linear, polygonal, planar or poly which the geometric surface is the nose of an aircraft or the
hedral topology. windscreen of a car.
7. A selectable beam antenna according to claim 1 in which
the antenna launch means exploits the topological rotational

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