Abstract: Embodiments provide ground-based beamforming with mutually synchronized spatially multiplexed gateways in a wireless communications system. Some embodiments operate in context of a satellite having a focused-beam feeder antenna that communicates with multiple, geographically distributed gateway terminals (e.g., single gateway per beam), and a user antenna that provides communications with user terminals via formed user beams. The gateway terminals can communicate feeder signals that are beam-weighted and mutually phase-synchronized (e.g., according to satellite and/or loopback beacons). For example, the synchronization can enable forward uplink signals to be phase-synchronously received by the satellite, and the beam weighting can enable the forward downlink signals to spatially combine to form forward user beams. Embodiments can achieve extensive bandwidth reuse through mutually synchronized spatial multiplexing of the feeder-link communications.

Abstract: Embodiments provide ground-based beamforming with mutually synchronized spatially multiplexed gateways in a wireless communications system. Some embodiments operate in context of a satellite having a focused-beam feeder antenna that communicates with multiple, geographically distributed gateway terminals (e.g., single gateway per beam), and a user antenna that provides communications with user terminals via formed user beams. The gateway terminals can communicate feeder signals that are beam-weighted and mutually phase-synchronized (e.g., according to satellite and/or loopback beacons). For example, the synchronization can enable forward uplink signals to be phase-synchronously received by the satellite, and the beam weighting can enable the forward downlink signals to spatially combine to form forward user beams. Embodiments can achieve extensive bandwidth reuse through mutually synchronized spatial multiplexing of the feeder-link communications.

Abstract: Embodiments provide ground-based beamforming with mutually synchronized spatially multiplexed gateways in a wireless communications system. Some embodiments operate in context of a satellite having a focused-beam feeder antenna that communicates with multiple, geographically distributed gateway terminals (e.g., single gateway per beam), and a user antenna that provides communications with user terminals via formed user beams. The gateway terminals can communicate feeder signals that are beam-weighted and mutually phase-synchronized (e.g., according to satellite and/or loopback beacons). For example, the synchronization can enable forward uplink signals to be phase-synchronously received by the satellite, and the beam weighting can enable the forward downlink signals to spatially combine to form forward user beams. Embodiments can achieve extensive bandwidth reuse through mutually synchronized spatial multiplexing of the feeder-link communications.

Abstract: Embodiments provide ground-based beamforming with mutually synchronized spatially multiplexed gateways in a wireless communications system. Some embodiments operate in context of a satellite having a focused-beam feeder antenna that communicates with multiple, geographically distributed gateway terminals (e.g., single gateway per beam), and a user antenna that provides communications with user terminals via formed user beams. The gateway terminals can communicate feeder signals that are beam-weighted and mutually phase-synchronized (e.g., according to satellite and/or loopback beacons). For example, the synchronization can enable forward uplink signals to be phase-synchronously received by the satellite, and the beam weighting can enable the forward downlink signals to spatially combine to form forward user beams. Embodiments can achieve extensive bandwidth reuse through mutually synchronized spatial multiplexing of the feeder-link communications.

Abstract: A double balanced image reject mixer (IRM) can be configured to comprise: a common radio frequency (RF) port; four mixer devices, each comprising an intermediate frequency (IF) port, an RF port and an local oscillator (LO) port; and a four-way, in-phase splitter/combiner. The four-way, in-phase splitter/combiner can be connected between the RF common port and the RF port of each of the four mixer devices. A method of performing spurious suppression and image reject mixing in a double balanced IRM, can comprise: directly in-phase combining radio frequency (RF) output signals of four mixer devices located in the double balanced IRM; and phase pairing local oscillator (LO) signals and intermediate frequency (IF) signals such that the combination of the phases of the respective IF and LO signals can result in substantially equal phase RF signals at the RF ports of all four mixer devices.

Abstract: A double balanced image reject mixer (IRM) can be configured to comprise: a common radio frequency (RF) port; four mixer devices, each comprising an intermediate frequency (IF) port, an RF port and an local oscillator (LO) port; and a four-way, in-phase splitter/combiner. The four-way, in-phase splitter/combiner can be connected between the RF common port and the RF port of each of the four mixer devices. A method of performing spurious suppression and image reject mixing in a double balanced IRM, can comprise: directly in-phase combining radio frequency (RF) output signals of four mixer devices located in the double balanced IRM; and phase pairing local oscillator (LO) signals and intermediate frequency (IF) signals such that the combination of the phases of the respective IF and LO signals can result in substantially equal phase RF signals at the RF ports of all four mixer devices.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, an outdoor unit of an antenna system includes an audio device that generates a sound that aids in the aiming of the antenna system. The sound is based on the strength of the received signal. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the sound indicates the signal strength using tone, pitch, repetition, volume, and the like. This sound can be used by a person to aim an antenna system in order to receive a better signal. The person installing the antenna system can be a professional installer, a layperson, or the consumer because the installer does not require any special skills or equipment.

Abstract: An over-molded leadframe (e.g., a Quad Flat No-lead (QFN)) package capable of operating at frequencies in the range of about five gigahertz (GHz) to about 300 GHz and a method of making the QFN package are disclosed. The QFN package includes a capacitance lead configured to substantially reduce and/or offset the inductance created by one or more wirebonds used to connect an integrated circuit (IC) chip on the package to an input/output (I/O) lead. The IC chip is connected to the capacitance lead via one or more wirebonds, and the capacitance lead is then connected to the I/O lead via at least a second wirebond. Thus, inductance created by the one or more wirebonds on the package is substantially reduced and/or offset by the capacitance lead prior to a signal being output by the package and/or received by the IC chip.

Abstract: A frequency plan is provided for particular use in a transceiver. Advantageously, a single oscillator may be used to generate desired frequency signals. One or more power splitters receive the signal and equally divide the signal into first and second signals having a frequency substantially equal to the original. Multipliers on each arm of the transceiver receive a signal and increase the frequency of the signal. In one exemplary embodiment, multiple signals having different frequencies may be transmitted over the same cable due in part to the generated frequency separation between the signals. In another exemplary embodiment, multiple signals may be transmitted over multiple cables. Additionally, multiple signals over one or more cables may be transmitted at or below 3 GHz.

Abstract: The invention provides a phase shifter with flexible control voltage that is useful with all RF systems that phase shift a RF signal. The phase shifter according to the present invention may comprise transistors used as switching elements. In one aspect, the phase shifter provides the option of controlling a phase shifter with either a positive or a negative voltage control signal. For example, the dc ground of the transistors included in the phase shifter may be floated. The RF grounding of the transistors may be achieved by in-band resonant capacitors. Thus, the control voltage provided to the transistors is flexible in that it may be connected to a positive or negative control voltage, or it may be connected to ground, or it may swing from a positive control voltage to a negative control voltage or vice versa.

Abstract: In general, in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for providing DC bias to an MMIC power amplifier, the method comprising the steps of: attaching a first end of a bond wire directly to a matching structure; and, attaching a second end of a bond wire to a DC bias source. In another exemplary aspect, a method is provided for RF power amplification comprising the steps of: electrically communicating a DC bias to a MMIC power amplifier, wherein the MMIC power amplifier comprises a RF matching structure, and wherein the DC bias is electrically communicated via a bond wire that is coupled directly to the RF matching structure; and, blocking unwanted RF signals with the bond wire.

Abstract: A RF interconnect comprising a dielectric resonator is disclosed. The dielectric resonator may be included in an interconnect housing. The dielectric resonator includes metalized side surfaces useful for securing the dielectric resonator in an aperture formed in the interconnect housing. The dimensions or material selected for the dielectric resonator may be predetermined to enable the dielectric resonator to operate as a filter or waveguide, as desired.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system to increase the power of transmission signals at a reduced cost. The apparatus includes two or more transceivers, transmitters and/or block-up converters connected in parallel to increase the total output power and/or receiving power of the apparatus. The method and system each, respectively, utilize the apparatus to improve the power and reliability of transmitted communication signals.

Abstract: Thermal spreading resistance, associated with small geometry electronic features that generate heat on a semiconductor, may be reduced through the addition of a thermally conductive fluid. For example, a dielectric fluid may be used within a volume between a semiconductor package and the semiconductor substrate. Therefore, direct thermal cooling may be employed to reduce the thermal spreading resistance often encountered in MMIC power amplifier devices. Furthermore, exemplary methods to achieve this sealing are described herein.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides an RF signal amplification system having an improved layout. The size of the MMIC can be reduced without loss of functionality and/or additional functionality can be added to the MMIC without increasing the size of the MMIC. The MMIC is configured with an off-chip bias feed system. The MMIC is configured with landing zones for receiving a bond wire such that on-chip bias circuitry can be reduced and/or eliminated.

Abstract: A method for affixing a resonator to a printed circuit board is provided. The method uses a thin metal film which may be affixed to a surface of a stand off, or directly to a surface of a resonator. The metalized surface may be affixed to a printed circuit board using a molten agent with a surface tension which withstands the downward force exerted by the puck's weight. The metalized surface may be affixed to a printed circuit board using a solder paste and the solder is allowed to reflow. The surface tension of the molten solder causes the resonator (or resonator puck) to self-center, ensuring proper placement and eliminating the need for repositioning. Since the resonator is not positioned using traditional glues which are subject to shifting during transportation or curing, then the resonator is not subject to shifting, eliminating the need to reposition the resonator after the resonator becomes fixed.