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US 12,562,482 B2Granted
Arrays with three-dimensional conformal radiating elements
AssigneeThe Florida International University Board of Trustees
InventorsAbdul-Sattar Kaddour, Stavros Georgakopoulos
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Antenna arrays with three-dimensional (3D) conformal radiating elements are provided, as well as methods of manufacturing and methods of using the same. An array can include a ground plane and a plurality of unit cells disposed thereon. Each unit cell can include a 3D conformal radiating element. The 3D conformal radiating elements can be, for example, patches (e.g., circular 3D patches), dipoles, or loops, and each radiating element is conformal on a hemispherical shape.
Claims16
An antenna array, comprising:
- a ground plane;
- and
- a plurality of unit cells disposed on the ground plane,
- each unit cell comprising:
- a first three-dimensional (3D) conformal radiating element disposed on a first surface of the ground plane and comprising a conductive material, the first 3D conformal radiating element of each unit cell being conformal on a hemispherical shape;
- a second 3D conformal radiating element disposed on a second surface of the ground plane and comprising a conductive material, the second 3D conformal radiating element of each unit cell being conformal on a hemispherical shape;
- and
- a via that goes through the ground plane and electrically connects the first 3D conformal radiating element and the second 3D conformal radiating element,
- the first surface of the ground plane being opposite from the second surface of the ground plane,
- the first 3D conformal radiating element being configured to be a receiver, and
- the second 3D conformal radiating element being configured to be a transmitter.
8 more elements
An antenna array, comprising:
- a ground plane;
- and
- a plurality of unit cells disposed on the ground plane,
- each unit cell comprising:
- a first three-dimensional (3D) conformal radiating element disposed on a first surface of the ground plane and comprising a conductive material, the first 3D conformal radiating element of each unit cell being conformal on a hemispherical shape;
- a second 3D conformal radiating element disposed on a second surface of the ground plane and comprising a conductive material, the second 3D conformal radiating element of each unit cell being conformal on a hemispherical shape;
- and
- a via that goes through the ground plane and electrically connects the first 3D conformal radiating element and the second 3D conformal radiating element,
- the first surface of the ground plane being opposite from the second surface of the ground plane,
- the first 3D conformal radiating element being configured to be a receiver,
- the second 3D conformal radiating element being configured to be a transmitter,
- the first 3D conformal radiating element being a conformal circular patch,
- the second 3D conformal radiating element being a conformal circular patch,
- each unit cell further comprising a first electrically insulating substrate disposed on the ground plane and on which the first 3D conformal radiating element is disposed,
- each unit cell further comprising a second electrically insulating substrate disposed on the ground plane and on which the second 3D conformal radiating element is disposed,
- the first electrically insulating substrate of each unit cell being in direct physical contact with the ground plane and with the first 3D conformal radiating element of the respective unit cell,
- the second electrically insulating substrate of each unit cell being in direct physical contact with the ground plane and with the second 3D conformal radiating element of the respective unit cell,
- each unit cell having a maximum height, measured in a direction perpendicular to the ground plane, of 5 millimeters, and
- the antenna array having a beamwidth coverage of at least 60° with a gain beamwidth drop from the broadside of no more than 3 decibels (dB).
16 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.