How to integrate balanced amplifier with patch antenna array

[si14]

Hi,

I have a balanced amplifier. This amplifier is matched for 50 ohm. One way to integrate this amplifier is to connect it to a patch antenna which is optimized for 50 ohm.

As you know the balanced amplifier has two output way which are combined to improve the S22 and also match to 50 ohm.

I want to use each of those output ways to feed an individual patch.

The overall active antenna would be:

One port input (Input port of the balanced amplifier)
and
two patches which are being fed by the two output ways of the balanced amplifier.

How can I design the 2 element patch array? Is this technique ruins the output matching of the amplifier?

Any idea how to integrate a two patch array with the balanced amplifier?

Thanks in advance.

 

[burton]

Re: How to integrate balanced amplifier with patch antenna a

It seems that it should be working, note that:
(1) differential impedance is 100 ohm with single impedance of 50 ohm, so each antenna should be matched to 50 ohm,
(2) there is 180 degree phase difference.

 

[radiohead]

Re: How to integrate balanced amplifier with patch antenna a

This idea seams feasible. However

* The load of every branch of the balanced amplifier is the patch antenna. You should have a proper design with adequate bandwidth and good return loss.
* Both patches will radiate. But they will be driven with a different phase (90/180 degree, depending on the input hybrid). Therefore this is not a typical phased array where the phase difference between subsequent antennas is small and centered around zero.
* The integration depends on the technology you're using, for amplifier and antenna. Please provide some more info on this

 

[kspalla]

As it involves the phase difference of 90 degrees between the two antennas the design can be made equi phase by using a power divider and the twop amplifiers each exiting one antenna.