Configurable antenna assembly

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to antenna assemblies, and more specifically to configurable phased array antenna assemblies that can be switched between multiple antenna characteristics.

Microwave antennas can be used in a variety of applications such as satellite broadcast reception, remote sensing, military communications, and so on. Printed circuit antennas generally provide a low cost, lightweight and thin structure that is relatively easy to mass produce. These antennas are designed in an array and can be used for radio frequency systems such as identification friend or foe (IFF) systems, radar, electronic warfare systems, signal intelligence systems, line-of-sight communication systems, satellite communication systems, and the like.

One known antenna assembly provides a static antenna assembly that cannot scan more than 45 ° from the normal to the antenna surface while maintaining an ultra-wideband width ratio of 6: 1 or greater. Moreover, spiral antennas are typically too large for many practical applications to provide polarization diversity. Another known antenna assembly provides a bandwidth ratio of 9: 1, but generally has an undesirably large voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) when scanned above 50 ° from the normal to the antenna surface. ) Is shown. In addition, arrays connected across the ground plane have similar scan and VSWR limitations. In addition, fragmented antenna arrays typically contain small features that cannot be scaled to high radio frequencies, can be limited to small scan volumes, and can be inefficient.

<p> In general, static designs can support one system function, but typically cannot be used for multiple functions. Narrowband antennas are typically designed to support only one particular RF system and cannot be replaced to support other systems and frequencies without great difficulty. Wideband designs and assemblies of known static antennas typically have an instantaneous bandwidth of at least 6: 1, a wide field of view and scanning capability of up to 60 ° or more from normal to the antenna surface, and selective bandwidth and bias. It does not provide a compact design with arbitrary power control that provides both wave diversity capability.</p>

<p> Certain embodiments of the present disclosure include a first ground plane, a second ground plane that can be switched between grounded and ungrounded states, and a first antenna layer and a second antenna layer. Provided is an antenna unit cell phased array assembly that may include an antenna array to obtain. Each of the first antenna layer and the second antenna layer may contain a plurality of pixels (or similar features) interconnected by a plurality of first phase change material (PCM) switches. The first PCM switch is configured to be selectively switched between phases to provide multiple antenna patterns within the first and second antenna layers. The first PCM switch is configured to be selectively switchable to provide multiple antenna characteristics.</p><p> The second ground plane may include multiple plates interconnected by multiple second PCM switches. The second PCM switch is selectively activated and deactivated to switch the second ground plane between grounded and ungrounded.</p><p> The antenna assembly may also include multiple control lines connecting the first ground plane to the second ground plane and the first antenna layer and the second antenna layer. For example, the first PCM switch can be connected to multiple control lines.</p><p> The antenna assembly may also include a feed post mounted on the first ground plane. The second ground plane can be fixed to part of the feed post. The feedpost may include one or more conductors that connect to the first antenna layer and the second antenna layer.</p><p> The antenna assembly may also include a first control grid connected to a first antenna layer and a second control grid connected to a second antenna layer. Each of the first and second control grids is a first set of traces that intersect a second set of traces at multiple intersections that operably connect to each one of the first PCM switches. May include. Each of the intersections can be energized to switch each of the first PCM switches between phases. The first control grid and the second control grid can be configured to be frequency selective. Each of the first control grid and the second control grid may also include one or more inductors inserted at sub-wavelength intervals.</p><p> Each of the first PCM switches can be formed of monotelluged germanium (GeTe) having a first phase and a second phase. One of the first phase and the second phase is conductive, and the other of the first phase and the second phase is non-conductive.</p><p> Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an antenna assembly that may include an antenna array that includes at least one antenna layer. The antenna layer (s) may include multiple pixels interconnected by a plurality of first phase change material (PCM) switches. The first PCM switch is configured to be selectively switched between phases to provide multiple antenna patterns within the antenna array to provide multiple antenna characteristics. In at least one embodiment, the at least one antenna layer comprises at least two antenna layers. The antenna assembly may also include one or more switched ground planes that can be switched between grounded and ungrounded.</p>

<figref num="1">FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a configurable antenna assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="2">FIG. 5 is a partial top perspective view of a switched ground plane connected to a feed post according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="3">It is a top perspective view of the plate of the switched ground plane connected by the switch which concerns on embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="4">It is a side view of the antenna assembly which concerns on embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="5">It is a top perspective view of the feed post fixed to the ground plane which concerns on embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="6">It is a top plan view of the antenna layer which concerns on embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="7">It is a top plan view of the antenna pattern of the antenna layer which concerns on embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="8">It is a top plan view of the antenna pattern of the antenna layer which concerns on embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="9">It is a top plan view of the antenna pattern of the antenna layer which concerns on embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="10">It is the upper plan view of the control grid which concerns on embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="11">It is a top perspective view of the antenna assembly which concerns on embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="12">It is a top perspective view of the feed post which concerns on embodiment of this disclosure.</figref>

The above overview and the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood when read with the accompanying drawings. As used herein, elements or steps that are listed in the singular and that follow a word such as "a" or "an" are elements or steps unless the plural exclusion of the element or step is explicitly indicated. It should be understood as not excluding the plural of. Moreover, the reference to "one embodiment" is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the listed features. Further, unless explicitly stated otherwise, an embodiment that "includes" or "has" a singular or multiple elements of a particular property may include additional elements that do not have that property.

FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of the configurable antenna assembly 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Antenna assembly 10 can be a single cell or unit cell in a multicell phased array. The antenna assembly 10 may include a first ground plane or an underlying ground plane 12 that supports the feed post (partially hidden from the viewpoint of FIG. 1). A second ground plane or switched ground plane 14 may be anchored above the ground plane 12 to and / or around the feed post. As shown, at least a portion of the ground plane 12 and the switched ground plane 14 can be within a confinement volume 15 which can be formed of a foamed resin product, a dielectric material, and / or air.

The antenna array 16 is operably connected to the feedpost above the switched ground plane 14. The antenna array 16 may include, for example, a first antenna layer 18 and a second antenna layer 20 separated by a circuit board. Alternatively, the antenna array 16 may include three or more antenna layers. Alternatively, the antenna array 16 may include only one antenna layer. Each antenna layer 18 and 20 may include a plurality of antenna pixels 22 that are connected to the other antenna pixels 22 by a switch that may be formed of a phase changing material, as described below.

The matching layer 26 may be arranged across the antenna array 16. The matching layer 26 is configured to align the antenna array 16 with free space or air. The matching layer 26 can be, for example, a radome that can be formed of a dielectric material or can include a radome. The radome provides a structural weatherproof housing that protects the antenna array 16 and may be made of a material that minimizes the electromagnetic signals transmitted or received by the antenna array 16. As shown, the matching layer 26 is formed as a block that may include drilled cylindrical holes or semi-cylindrical holes that form inwardly curved corners configured to control unwanted surface waves. obtain. However, the matching layer 26 can be of various other shapes and sizes, such as pyramids, spheres, and so on. In addition, the matching layer can be formed from multiple materials. In at least one embodiment, the matching layer 26 may not include inwardly curved corners. The drilling holes can be formed using other shapes and sizes such as rectangles, triangles, spheres, etc. The drilling holes are arranged at different locations other than the corners and may be formed by a plurality of holes and shapes. Alternatively, the antenna assembly 10 may not include the matching layer 26.

As shown, a plurality of control lines 28 extend upward from the ground plane 12 around the outer boundary of the switched ground plane 14 and around the outer boundary of the antenna array 16. The control line 28 may form a grid around the antenna assembly 10. The control line 28 can be a conductive metal trace configured to allow electrical signals to pass through it. The control line 28 switches various switches in the antenna assembly between the on and off positions (eg, the conductive and non-conductive states of the phase change material switch) to switch the antenna assembly 10 between different antenna patterns. It is configured to relay the signal to be switched between.

Different antenna patterns can provide different antenna characteristics. Each antenna characteristic can be defined as a unique combination of frequency, bandwidth, polarization, power level, scan angle, geometry, beam characteristics (width, scan rate, etc.), etc.

The antenna assembly 10 may be operably connected to the control unit 30. For example, the control unit 30 may be electrically connected to the control line 28. The control unit 30 may be configured to control switching of a plurality of antenna patterns, for example. The control unit 30 may or may not include one or more computing devices such as standard computer hardware (eg, processor, circuit, memory, etc.). The control unit 30 may be operably connected to the antenna assembly 10 by, for example, a cable connection or a wireless connection. Optionally, the control unit 30 can be an integral component of the antenna assembly 10. Alternatively, the antenna assembly 10 may not include separate and separate controls.

The control unit 30 may include any suitable computer-readable medium used for data storage. For example, the control unit 30 may include a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium is configured to store information that can be interpreted by the control unit 30. Information can be data or computer execution, such as a software application that causes a microprocessor in control 30 or other such control to perform certain functions and / or methods realized by a computer. It can take the form of possible instructions. The computer-readable medium may include a computer storage medium and a communication medium. Computer storage media are volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable, realized by any method or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. It may include possible media. Computer storage media can be RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, or other solid-state memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical storage device, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage device, or other. Magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and can be accessed by components of control 30, but is not limited thereto.

FIG. 2 shows a partial top perspective view of the switched ground plane 14 connected to the feed post 32 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The feed post 32 includes a stele 33 extending upward from a base 34 that can be supported over the ground plane 12 (shown in FIG. 1). A central opening may be formed through the switched ground plane 14 so that the switched ground plane 14 can be secured around the central column 33 above the base 34. The switched ground plane 14 may include a plurality of interconnected metal plates 36.

FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of the plate 36 of the switched ground plane 14 connected by the switch 38 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Each plate 36 can be formed in a rectangular shape with a parallel end 39 and a parallel side 40. Alternatively, the plate 36 can be formed in a variety of other shapes and layouts.

As shown, the end 39 of each plate 36 is connected to the end 39 of the adjacent plate 36 by a switch 38. Similarly, the side 40 of each plate 36 is connected to the side 40 of the adjacent plate 36 by a switch 38. Further, the switch 38 extends from the outer edge 39 and the outer edge 40 of the plate 36 at the periphery or outer unit cell boundary of the switched ground plane 14. A switch 38 on the periphery of the switched ground plane 14 may be connected to each control line 28 (shown in FIG. 1).

Each switch 38 can be made of a phase change material (PCM) such as germanium telluride (GeTe). PCM melts and solidifies at different temperatures. Heat is absorbed or released as the PCM changes from solid to liquid and vice versa. PCM switches do not require static bias for operation. Instead, power only needs to be applied during the switch for switching between the phases of the PCM switch. One of the phases can be conductive, while the other state can be non-conductive. In general, a PCM switch has two stable states that differ in conductivity by a few orders of magnitude. Switching can be achieved by controlled heating and cooling of the PCM switch.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the control line 28 may be operated to toggle switch 38 on (eg, active or conductive) and off (eg, inactive or non-conductive). When switch 38 is off, the switched ground plane 14 can be ungrounded. However, when the switch 38 is switched on, for example by a signal relayed by the control line 28, the switched ground plane 14 can be switched to a grounded state above the ground plane 12. That is, by switching the switch 38 to the on position, the ground plane can be electrically moved or otherwise transformed into the plane of the switched ground plane 14.

The switched ground plane 14 may be configured to tune the antenna assembly 10 to improve the high frequency behavior of the antenna assembly 10. The switched ground plane 14 can be switched on and off, for example, to selectively provide narrowband and wideband reception. When all of the switches 38 are activated (for example, when switched on by a phase change when power is applied during the switching operation, etc.), the switched ground plane 14 acts as a solid metal sheet. To do. However, when all of the switches 38 are deactivated, it is ungrounded and not significantly electrically present, as the switched ground plane 14 provides just a grid of plates. Alternatively, the plate 36 can be made using a surface material such as non-metal, resistant, etc. Optionally, part of switch 38 can be activated while the rest of switch 38 can be deactivated.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the antenna assembly 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. For clarity, control line 28 is not shown in FIG. The central column 33 of the feedpost 32 includes a plurality of coaxial cables 42, which may include a central conductor surrounded by a dielectric material, which in turn forms a coaxial transmission line. Can be surrounded by a possible metal exterior. The upper end 44 of the center conductor 45 extends upward from the upper annular part 46 of the feed post 32. The center conductor 45 connects to the antenna array 16 to provide RF signaling to the antenna array 16. For example, the center conductor 45 may provide an RF path from the coaxial cable 42 to the antenna array 16.

As shown, the switched ground plane 14 is separated from the ground plane 12 by a distance A. As such, if the switched ground plane 14 is activated, for example, by a phase-changing switch 38, the effective ground plane to the antenna array 16 is moved up by a distance A.

As mentioned above, the antenna array 16 may include an upper antenna layer 18 and a lower antenna layer 20. Antenna layers 18 and 20 may be separated from each other by a circuit board 48 having a thickness B. As such, the antenna layers 18 and 20 are offset from each other by a distance B. The antenna pixels 22 of the respective antenna layers 18 and 20 may be interconnected by a switch 50, such as a PCM switch. Alternatively, the switch 50 can be another type of RF switch, such as a MEMS, PIN diode, etc.

FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of the feed post 32 fixed to the ground plane 12 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The upper end 44 of each conductor 45 may be connected to the conductive transition member 52. The transition member 52 provides a transition from the conductor 45 to the antenna array 16 (not shown in FIG. 5). As shown, the transition member 52 can be formed as a flat triangle. However, the transition member 52 may have various other shapes and sizes, such as rectangular, circular, etc. In addition, the transition member 52 can be, or include, one or more pixels, such as any of the pixels in antenna layers 18 and 20 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 4).

FIG. 6 shows an upper plan view of the antenna layer 60 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Each of the antenna layers 18 and 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 can be formed as the antenna layer 60. The antenna layer 60 is formed as a square with inwardly curved corners 62 that can be aligned with the matching layer 26. However, the antenna layer 60 can be formed in a variety of other shapes and sizes. For example, the antenna layer 60 may not include inwardly curved corners 62 or may not match the features of the matching layer 26. Also, for example, the antenna layer 60 can be formed as a circle, a triangle, a trapezium, and the like.

The antenna layer 60 includes a plurality of pixels 64 interconnected by a switch 66, similar to the plate of the switched ground plane 14 described above. Pixels 64 can have similar sizes, shapes, and distributions. Alternatively, pixels 64 can be of non-uniform size, shape, and / or distribution. Switch 66 can be formed in PCM such as GeTe. Switch 66'can be on the outer boundary of antenna layer 60. Switch 66'may extend beyond the unit cell boundaries of antenna layer 60 to provide connectivity to adjacent unit cell antenna assemblies. The switch 66, including the switch 66', is selectively activated (eg, switched to a conductive state) by a control and power signal received by the transition member 52 via the control line 28 and / or the center conductor 45. ), Can be deactivated (eg switched to non-conductive state). Switch 66 can be activated or deactivated to form the desired antenna pattern of antenna pixels. For example, all of the switches 66 can be activated to form an antenna pattern of pixels in the shape of the antenna layer 60. Certain switches 66 may be deactivated to form antenna patterns with different shapes.

FIG. 7 shows an upper plan view of the antenna pattern 68 of the antenna layer 60 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the inner switch around the central opening 70 can be activated to form the pixel's active region 69, while the outer switch can be activated to form the pixel's inactive region 71. Can be deactivated, resulting in a cross-shaped antenna pattern 68. One or both of the antenna layers 18 and 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 can be operated to form a cross pattern 68.

FIG. 8 shows an upper plan view of the antenna pattern 72 of the antenna layer 60 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The inner switch forming the pixel active region 73 can be activated, while the outer switch forming the pixel inactive region 75 is deactivated to form the square antenna pattern 72. One or both of the antenna layers 18 and 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 can be operated to form a square pattern 72.

FIG. 9 shows an upper plan view of the antenna pattern 74 of the antenna layer 60 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. While the middle switch can be activated, the inner and outer switches are deactivated, creating an antenna pattern 74 defined by the inactive square center 77 and the active intermediate region 76 of the pixels. The active intermediate region 76 of the formed and pixel can be connected to the feedpost by the active line of the pixel (not shown in FIG. 9). One or both of the antenna layers 18 and 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 can be operated to form the antenna pattern 74.

With reference to FIGS. 6-9, switch 66 can be selectively activated and deactivated to form different antenna patterns. It should be understood that the antenna patterns shown in FIGS. 7-9 are not always optimal antenna configurations or patterns. Rather, FIGS. 7-9 are merely shown as examples of how different antenna patterns can be formed by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Each of the antenna layers 18 and 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 may have separate and distinct antenna patterns or the same antenna pattern. Again, the patterns shown in Figures 7-9 are just examples. It should be understood that different antenna patterns can be achieved by activating and deactivating certain switches 66 within the antenna layer 60. When the switch 66 is electrically activated, the activated switch 66 and the pixels 64 connected to it form various antenna patterns. In contrast, the deactivated switch 66 and the pixels 64 connected to it are generally not part of the working antenna. In short, the deactivated switch 66 and the pixels 64 connected to it are not electrically present. Each switch 66 can be selectively activated and deactivated to provide a configurable dynamic antenna pattern. The active antenna pattern or shape can be defined by which particular switch 66 is activated at any given time.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 6-9, the use of the two antenna layers 18 and 20 allows the overlapping regions of the two antenna layers to form a parallel plate capacitor. At certain frequencies, the ground plane 12 can act as an inductor. Inductance is the opposite of capacitance. The capacitance of the antenna assembly 10 can be increased by overlapping antenna layers 18 and 20, thereby reducing the inductance. As noted, antenna assembly 10 can optionally include more than two antenna layers.

FIG. 10 shows an upper plan view of the control grid 80 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. A control grid, such as the control grid 80, may be placed below the respective antenna layers 18 and 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Alternatively, the control grid 80 may be located across the antenna layers 18 and 20 or within the antenna layers 18 and 20 respectively. The control grid 80 may be electrically coupled to the control line 28 shown in FIG. 1 and / or the conductor 45 shown in FIG.

The control grid 80 includes a first set of parallel traces 82 and a second set of parallel traces 84 that are perpendicular to the first set of parallel traces 82. The parallel trace 82 intersects the parallel trace 84 at the intersection 86. Each intersection 86 may abut or otherwise be in close proximity to a switch in the antenna layer. For example, each switch can be associated with its own intersection 86. The number and spacing of traces 82 and 84 may correspond to the number of switches in a particular antenna layer so that each switch can be associated with a separate intersection 86.

As shown in FIG. 10, when a voltage is applied to the trace 84', the trace 82'is grounded while the intersection 86'is energized. As such, the particular switch associated with intersection 86'is toggled between the activated and deactivated states. The individual traces 82 and 84 may be selectively energized and grounded in such a manner that selectively activates and deactivates a particular switch. For example, if intersection 86'is activated, the PCM switch near intersection 86' undergoes a state change. Current flows over path 88 from trace 84'to intersection 86'and through trace 82'to the ground. In this way, each switch does not need to be connected to separate and separate control lines, thereby reducing the control line density within the antenna assembly 10. Further, when a particular switch is toggled by energizing the intersection, the switch can remain in that particular state without additional energy being supplied to the intersection.

The control grid 80 may provide control signals using frequency-selective control lines. Frequency-selective control lines can be formed by inserting inductors into them at sub-wavelength intervals. The inductor can be sized to have low impedance at the switch control frequency (eg, approximately 20MHz) and high impedance at the operating frequency (eg, between 2GHz and 12GHz). At low frequencies, control paths such as path 88 provide continuous conductive traces. At high frequencies, the path provides an blocked set of sub-wavelength floating metal patches that are invisible to high frequency radiated waves. Thus, the path can be activated at low frequencies and cut at high frequencies so as not to interfere with the operation of the antenna assembly.

As mentioned above, the switch can be a PCM switch. As such, the control grid 80 may operate to power intersection 86 to address specific switches and switch them on or off. PCM switches do not require static bias for operation. The PCM switch has two stable states in which the conductivity differs by several orders of magnitude. Switching can be achieved by controlled heating and cooling of the PCM switch. The switch associated with intersection 86'is an addressed element that undergoes a state change. The switch can be continuously changed to different states to form an antenna pattern.

A control grid, such as the control grid 80, can also be placed below, above, or in the switched ground plane 14 (shown in FIGS. 1 to 3). As such, the intersection 86 can be associated with the switch 38 to change the switch 38 between the on and off states.

FIG. 11 shows a top perspective view of the antenna assembly 90 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Antenna assembly 90 may include the components described above. The antenna assembly 90 may include a plurality of modular outer dielectric frames or foamed resin product frames 92 having control line segments 94. Each modular outer frame 92 may be connected to another modular outer frame 92 so as to form the outer boundary of the unit cell of antenna assembly 90. The switched ground plane 95 may be supported by a feedpost 96 and a modular outer frame 92.

As shown, the antenna array 96 can be free of central voids or central openings. Any of the antenna layers described above may include a central pixel without a central void formed through or in between.

FIG. 12 shows a top perspective view of the feed post 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the feedpost 100 is formed using a printed circuit board manufacturing technique. The feed post 100 may include a plurality of vias 102 that may be placed through a circuit board (not shown). Thus, the antenna assembly can be formed by a plurality of circuit boards communicating with each other through the via 102.

With reference to FIGS. 1-12, embodiments of the present disclosure provide configurable antenna assemblies that can be adapted for wideband communication, eg, at least 4: 1. The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a configurable and adaptable antenna assembly that can be selectively switched between multiple antenna patterns and antenna characteristics. Embodiments of the present disclosure can, for example, scan at an angle of 45 ° from the normal to the surface of the antenna and can provide double separable RF polarization capabilities.

The antenna assembly can be reconfigured to provide RF performance characteristics at narrow bandwidths (eg, 100MHz), along with scanning capabilities at angles such as 45 °, 60 °, etc. It has been found that the reconfigurable nature of the antenna assembly allows operation in ultra-wideband (eg 6: 1 bandwidth ratio) or adjacent smaller band tunes as narrow as 100 MHz. Has been done. The antenna assembly has multiple characteristics between a first antenna pattern (s) configured for wideband operation and a second antenna pattern (s) configured for narrowband operation. Can be reconfigured to provide.

As mentioned above, the antenna assembly may include two antenna layers, such as antenna layers 18 and 20, where antenna layers 18 and 20 are connected dipoles, for example, with a capacitive dipole-like feed beneath the connecting antenna layer. It can be used to form an array. Connection pixels and feed layers can be created using, for example, a double layer circuit board. The circuit board may be disposed over a ground plane having a dielectric layer of the foamed resin product below and above. The differential feed from the lower dipole-like feed can be capacitively coupled to the connecting dipole element layer.

Each antenna layer may include multiple pixels. Pixels allow multiple characteristics by creating antenna patterns of different shapes and sizes that can be used to adjust the antenna assembly to a particular frequency, polarization, and scanning angle. Pixels can be interconnected using RF compliant switches, and RF compliant switches can be made of phase change material. Switch commands and controls can be achieved by using addressing line schemes such as those used in high density phase change memory systems.

It has been found that embodiments of the present disclosure provide antenna assemblies that may allow wideband instantaneous bandwidth. The antenna assembly can be switched to a narrower band (eg 100MHz) to provide better RF performance than is possible with wideband tuning.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an antenna assembly in which the on / off state of a switch, pixel-to-pixel, etc. can be selectively activated and deactivated to provide a wide variety of antenna patterns. Different antenna patterns can be used for a variety of reasons, such as different missions, operating scenarios, and scanning or field of view capabilities that are generally not possible with static array assemblies.

The embodiments of the present disclosure may be used, for example, by multifunction and / or shared antenna configurations for communications, electron beam, RADAR, and SIGNIT applications. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide wideband coverage to allow transmission and reception of signals having any polarization, including but not limited to linearly polarized, circularly polarized, and diagonally polarized signals. And provides polarization density.

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides an antenna assembly that may include a PCM switch, frequency selective control lines, and a pixelated antenna layer. The antenna assembly can be selectively configured among multiple antenna patterns.

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an antenna assembly capable of exhibiting a plurality of antenna characteristics. Each antenna characteristic can be a unique combination of frequency, bandwidth, polarization, power level, scan angle, geometry, beam characteristics (width, scan rate, etc.), etc.

Various spatial and directional terms such as up, down, down, middle, horizontal, horizontal, vertical, front, etc. may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, but such terms are simply shown in the drawings. It is understood that it is only used for the orientations that have been made. The upper part can be reversed, rotated, or otherwise changed, such as the upper part to the lower part and vice versa, the horizontal to the vertical, and so on.

Further, the present disclosure comprises embodiments according to the following provisions.

Clause 1: An antenna assembly comprising a first ground plane, a second ground plane that can be switched between grounded and ungrounded states, and a first antenna layer and a second antenna layer. Each of the first antenna layer and the second antenna layer contains a plurality of pixels interconnected by a plurality of first phase changing material (PCM) switches, and the plurality of first PCM switches are the first. An antenna assembly configured to be selectively switched between phases to provide multiple antenna patterns within the antenna layer and the second antenna layer.

Clause 2: The antenna assembly according to Clause 1, wherein the plurality of first PCM switches are configured to be selectively switched to provide multiple antenna characteristics.

Clause 3: The second ground plane contains multiple plates interconnected by multiple second PCM switches, and multiple second PCM switches make the second ground plane grounded and ungrounded. The antenna assembly described in Clause 1, which is selectively activated and deactivated to switch between.

Clause 4: The antenna assembly according to Clause 1, further comprising multiple control lines connecting the first ground plane to the second ground plane, the first antenna layer and the second antenna layer.

Clause 5: The antenna assembly described in Clause 4, where multiple first PCM switches connect to multiple control lines.

Clause 6: The antenna assembly described in Clause 1, further comprising a feedpost mounted on the first groundplane, the second groundplane being secured to a portion of the feedpost.

Clause 7: The antenna assembly according to Clause 6, wherein the feedpost comprises one or more conductors that connect to the first antenna layer and the second antenna layer.

Clause 8: A first control grid connected to the first antenna layer and a second control grid connected to the second antenna layer are further provided, and the first control grid and the second control grid are provided. Each comprises a first set of traces that intersect a second set of traces at multiple intersections that operably connect to each one of multiple first PCM switches, each of which. The antenna assembly according to Clause 1, which can be energized to switch each of a plurality of first PCM switches between phases.

Clause 9: The antenna assembly according to Clause 8, wherein the first and second control grids are configured to be frequency selective.

Clause 10: The antenna assembly according to Clause 8, wherein each of the first and second control grids further comprises one or more inductors inserted at sub-wavelength intervals.

Clause 11: Each of the first PCM switches is made of germanium telluride (GeTe) with a first phase and a second phase, and one of the first and second phases is conductive. The antenna assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first phase and the other of the second phases are non-conductive.

Clause 12: An antenna assembly comprising an antenna array containing at least one antenna layer, wherein the at least one antenna layer contains a plurality of pixels interconnected by a plurality of first phase change material (PCM) switches. Multiple first PCM switches are configured to be selectively switched between phases to provide multiple antenna patterns within the antenna array to provide multiple antenna characteristics.

Clause 13: The antenna assembly according to Clause 12, wherein at least one antenna layer comprises at least two antenna layers.

Clause 14: The antenna assembly according to Clause 12, further comprising a switched ground plane that can be switched between grounded and ungrounded.

Clause 15: A switched ground plane contains multiple plates interconnected by multiple second PCM switches, with multiple second PCM switches grounding and ungrounding the second ground plane. The antenna assembly according to clause 14, which is selectively activated and deactivated to switch between.

Clause 16: The antenna assembly according to Clause 12, further comprising multiple control lines connecting to the antenna array.

Clause 17: Further comprising at least one control grid connected to at least one antenna layer, the control grid is the first of the traces at multiple intersections operably connected to each one of multiple first PCM switches. The antenna assembly according to Clause 12, comprising a first set of traces intersecting two sets, each of which intersects may be energized to switch each of the plurality of first PCM switches between phases.

Clause 18: The antenna assembly according to Clause 17, wherein the control grid is configured to be frequency selective and further comprises one or more inductors inserted at sub-wavelength intervals.

Clause 19: Each of the first PCM switches is made of germanium telluride (GeTe) with a first phase and a second phase, and one of the first and second phases is conductive. The antenna assembly according to clause 12, wherein the first phase and the other of the second phases are non-conductive.

Clause 20:An antenna unit cell array assembly, a first ground plane and a second ground plane that can be switched between grounded and ungrounded states, the second ground plane being a plurality of first phases. It contains multiple plates interconnected by a change material (PCM) switch, with multiple first PCM switches selectively active and ungrounded to switch the second ground plane between grounded and ungrounded. An antenna array having a second ground plane and a first antenna layer and a second antenna layer to be deactivated, each of the first antenna layer and the second antenna layer having a plurality of antenna layers. The plurality of second PCM switches include a plurality of pixels interconnected by the second PCM switch, and the plurality of second PCM switches have a plurality of antennas in the first antenna layer and the second antenna layer in order to provide a plurality of antenna characteristics. Configured to selectively switch between the first phase and the second phase to provide a pattern, one of the first and second phases is conductive and the first phase. And the other of the second phases are the non-conductive antenna array and the first and second control grids connected to the first and second antenna layers, respectively. Each of the first control grid and the second control grid is the first of the traces that intersects the second set of traces at multiple intersections that are operably connected to each one of the plurality of second PCM switches. Each of the plurality of intersections may be energized to switch each of the plurality of second PCM switches between phases, the first control grid and the second control grid being frequency selective. A first control grid and a second control grid, and a second control grid, each of which is configured such that, further comprises one or more inductors inserted at sub-wavelength intervals. A feed post mounted on one ground plane, the second ground plane is fixed to a part of the feed post and connected to the first antenna layer and the second antenna layer.A feed post with one or more conductors and multiple control lines connecting the first ground plane to the second ground plane and antenna array, with multiple first PCM switches for multiple controls. Antenna unit cell phased array assembly with multiple control lines connected to the line.

It should be understood that the above description is intended to be exemplary rather than restrictive. For example, the embodiments (and / or embodiments thereof) described above may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many changes can be made without departing from their scope in order to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. The dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, but the embodiments are by no means limiting, but exemplary embodiments. Reviewing the above description will reveal many other embodiments to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "here (in)" "which)" is used as a plain English equivalent of the respective terms "comprising" and "where in". Moreover, the terms "first", "second", and "third", etc. are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on those objects. In addition, the following claims limitation shall be used and unless the phrase "means for" is explicitly used, which is followed by a description of features in which such claims lack future structure. Until, it is not written in the means plus function format and is not intended to be interpreted under 35 USC § 112 (f).

This description described discloses various embodiments of the present disclosure, including the best embodiments, as well as a variety of the present disclosure, including the manufacture and use of any device or system and the implementation of any incorporated method. Examples are used to allow any person skilled in the art to realize the embodiments. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples conceived by those skilled in the art. Such other examples are cases where the example has structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or an equal structure where the example has no substantial difference from the literal language of the claims. If it contains elements, it is intended to be within the scope of the claims.

10 Antenna assembly 12 Base ground plane 14 Switched ground plane 15 Confinement volume 16 Antenna array 18 Upper antenna layer 20 Lower antenna layer 22 Antenna pixels 26 Matching layer 28 Control line 30 Control 32 Feedpost 33 Central pillar 34 Base 36 Metal Plate 38 Switch 39 End 40 Side 42 Coaxial cable 44 Top 45 Center conductor 46 Upper annular part 48 Circuit board 50 Switch 52 Conductive transition member 60 Antenna layer 62 Corner 64 pixels 66 Switch 66'Switch 68 Antenna pattern (cross shape) 69 pixels Active area 70 Center opening 71 Inactive area of pixels 72 Antenna pattern (square) 73 Pixel active area 74 Antenna pattern 75 Pixel inactive area 76 Pixel active intermediate area 77 Inactive square center 80 Control grid 82 Parallel trace 82'Trace 84 Parallel trace 84'Trace 86 Intersection 86 'Intersection 88 Path 90 Antenna Assembly 92 Outer Frame 94 Control Line Segment 95 Switched Ground Plane 96 Feedpost / Antenna Array 100 Feedpost 102 Vias