Abstract: A method and system use the mutual coupling property of multiple antenna elements for measuring differences in propagation time among various signal paths involving antenna elements in a radio frequency transmit/receive system. The method and system alleviate the need for external test equipment by using the same hardware used in standard operation of the transmit/receive system for performing propagation time measurement through the generation, mutual coupling, and acquisition of a specially selected reference signal. In an embodiment involving calibration of various signal paths to realize matched propagation times, the signal energy returned through these various paths during standard system operation arrives for acquisition more closely coincident in time, increasing the instantaneous bandwidth of the system.

Abstract: A method and system use the mutual coupling property of multiple antenna elements for measuring differences in propagation time among various signal paths involving antenna elements in a radio frequency transmit/receive system. The method and system alleviate the need for external test equipment by using the same hardware used in standard operation of the transmit/receive system for performing propagation time measurement through the generation, mutual coupling, and acquisition of a specially selected reference signal. In an embodiment involving calibration of various signal paths to realize matched propagation times, the signal energy returned through these various paths during standard system operation arrives for acquisition more closely coincident in time, increasing the instantaneous bandwidth of the system.

Abstract: The technology described herein includes a system and/or a method of automated layout of beams. The method includes generating a plurality of boundary positions along boundaries of an image frame. The method further includes determining a start location for a first beam within the plurality of boundary positions based on at least one of a mapping priority, direction of movement of a beam platform, and speed of movement of the beam platform. The method further includes modifying the plurality of boundary positions based on the start location. The method further includes determining a second location for a second beam within the modified plurality of boundary positions based on at least one of a mapping priority, direction of movement of a beam platform, and speed of movement of the beam platform. The method further includes modifying the modified plurality of boundary positions based on the second location.

Abstract: The technology described herein includes a system and/or a method of automated layout of beams. The method includes generating a plurality of boundary positions along boundaries of an image frame. The method further includes determining a start location for a first beam within the plurality of boundary positions based on at least one of a mapping priority, direction of movement of a beam platform, and speed of movement of the beam platform. The method further includes modifying the plurality of boundary positions based on the start location. The method further includes determining a second location for a second beam within the modified plurality of boundary positions based on at least one of a mapping priority, direction of movement of a beam platform, and speed of movement of the beam platform. The method further includes modifying the modified plurality of boundary positions based on the second location.

Abstract: A method and system use the mutual coupling property of multiple antenna elements for characterizing signal waveform distortion introduced by items in the signal path, including the antenna elements, of a radio frequency transmit/receive system. The method and system alleviate the need for external test equipment by using the same hardware used in standard operation of the transmit/receive system for performing waveform distortion characterization through the generation, mutual coupling, and acquisition of a reference signal. In an embodiment involving application of complementary inverse predistortion to generation of an operational signal and/or to processing of a received operational signal, the signal as received and processed during standard system operation is compensated for distortion contributed by system hardware, improving impulse response and system performance.

Abstract: A method and system use the mutual coupling property of multiple antenna elements for characterizing signal waveform distortion introduced by items in the signal path, including the antenna elements, of a radio frequency transmit/receive system. The method and system alleviate the need for external test equipment by using the same hardware used in standard operation of the transmit/receive system for performing waveform distortion characterization through the generation, mutual coupling, and acquisition of a reference signal. In an embodiment involving application of complementary inverse predistortion to generation of an operational signal and/or to processing of a received operational signal, the signal as received and processed during standard system operation is compensated for distortion contributed by system hardware, improving impulse response and system performance.

Abstract: A method and system use the mutual coupling property of multiple antenna elements for measuring differences in propagation time among various signal paths involving antenna elements in a radio frequency transmit/receive system. The method and system alleviate the need for external test equipment by using the same hardware used in standard operation of the transmit/receive system for performing propagation time measurement through the generation, mutual coupling, and acquisition of a specially selected reference signal. In an embodiment involving calibration of various signal paths to realize matched propagation times, the signal energy returned through these various paths during standard system operation arrives for acquisition more closely coincident in time, increasing the instantaneous bandwidth of the system.

Abstract: Techniques for maintaining beam pointing for an Electronically Scanned Antenna (ESA) as its frequency is varied over a wide frequency bandwidth. A technique uses discrete phase shifters, a number of stored states, and a control methodology for rapidly switching among the states.

Abstract: Techniques for maintaining beam pointing for an Electronically Scanned Antenna (ESA) as its frequency is varied over a wide frequency bandwidth. A technique uses discrete phase shifters, a number of stored states, and a control methodology for rapidly switching among the states.

Abstract: A quadrant-partitioned array architecture and measurement sequence supporting mutual-coupling based calibration. The architecture includes an array of radiating elements grouped into quadrants, with a quadrant feed network and an intra-quadrant feed network connected between a transmitter/receiver and the radiating elements. The architecture includes test signal switches which provide access for quadrant testing functions, allowing a test signal to be injected into one quadrant while making measurements of the received signal in an adjacent quadrant. Mutual coupling based module-to-module RF measurements are performed to phase up the array.

Abstract: A process for collecting phase and amplitude calibration data for an active array system without the use of external sensors. The relative phase and amplitudes of adjacent T/R modules are determined when viewed through the entire array system. The calibration process involves collecting and storing these phases and amplitudes for future use. A pulse-to-pulse phase or amplitude modulation mode is employed. An element is commanded into this mode to separate its signal (in frequency) from competing signals and leakages from the surrounding modules. A T/R inversion command allows for a single element to be switched to a transmit state while the remainder of the array is in the receive state. This provides for a reference signal during receive calibration, and for single module testing during transmit calibration.

Abstract: An RF drive leveling adjustment method using transmit amplitude adjustment range for use with active phased array antenna systems. Relative RF measurements of transmit amplitude adjustment range of an active array antenna or selected elements or sets of elements of the antenna are used to determine correction factors for RF drive levels of RF drive amplifier(s) used by transmit modules of the active array antenna. The method comprises the following steps. The first step comprises calibrating the transmit RF drive amplifiers of an active array antenna for a predetermined transmit duty factor and pulse repetition frequency. The second step comprises measuring relative RF measurements of transmit amplitude adjustment range of the transmit module. The third step comprises determining correction factors for RF drive levels of the transmit RF drive amplifiers. The fourth step comprises adjusting the RF drive level of the transmit RF drive amplifiers using the correction factors.