Abstract: A satellite based signal transmission and reception system which generates multiple beams with low side lobes and minimal crossover losses. The system includes a focusing device and an array of signal generator elements coupled to feed radiator elements. The feed radiator elements are assigned into overlapping beam sub-arrays characterized by a frequency and radiated beam polarization. Each overlapping sub-array generates a transmission beam signal which is orthogonally polarized with respect to the beam generated by the other overlapping sub-array. The use of beam orthogonality provides for physically overlapping beam sub-arrays without the use of analog combining networks which are inherently lossy structures. This allows beams to be generated having a highly tapered amplitude distribution to simultaneously achieve low side lobe levels and low beam cross over losses.

Abstract: A circular array includes a plurality of antenna elements which are spaced apart from each other and situated in a conical arrangement and in parallel rows circumferentially about the longitudinal axis of the conical arrangement. The circumferential spacing between the phase centers of adjacent antenna elements of any one row situated closer to the base of the conical arrangement is greater than that of adjacent antenna elements situated relatively closer to the apex of the conical arrangement. The respective operating frequencies of the antenna elements of any one row situated closer to the base of the conical arrangment is lower than the operating frequencies of the antenna elements of any other row situated relatively closer to the apex. The circuit array antenna further includes a plurality of feed lines, where each feed line is coupled to an antenna element of each row in progression.

Abstract: A phased array antenna system for eliminating antenna induced errors and distortions comprising an antenna array consisting of orthogonal rows and columns of antenna elements in which each row of elements is supplied signal power by a single beam forming network. Each input port of the beam forming network corresponds to an element of only one of a number of composite beam constituents which, when combined, form the complete composite beam. The beam constituents are adjusted in position to correct the composite beam shape as necessary by means of plurality of phase shifters, each of which is placed in series with only one input port of the beam forming networks. This unique positioning of the phase shifters in the antenna distribution system reduces the total number of phase shifters required to control the beam, permits the forming of a shaped beam such as a fan beam without the need for amplitude control and simplifies the complexity of the phased array control system.

Abstract: A distribution system for a phased array antenna comprising a transmission line with couplings positioned to feed the antenna elements in series. Antireciprocal phase shifters are placed in series with the line between couplings to provide previously unavailable features including forced feeding of a scannable array, sweeping the beam of a standing wave system and sweeping the beam of a traveling wave system through boresight.

Abstract: A plurality of antenna elements in a phased array are arranged to be supplied in serial fashion by means of couplings spaced along a distribution system. A plurality of phase shifters are placed in series within the distribution system with one shifter being located prior to each coupling to control the phase supplied to the elements and thereby control the direction of the radiated beam. Samples of the signal to be transmitted are taken at the input and output of the distribution system and compared to determine the total phase shift through the system. The total phase shift is then compared to a desired total phase shift to generate an error signal which is applied to the phase shifters to produce the total desired phase shift and thus accurately steer the beam to a desired spatial angle.

Abstract: The phase shift imparted to a signal is accurately controlled by passing the signal through a phase shifter in which the phase shift is adjusted by an automatic feedback control circuit. The control circuit senses the actual phase through the phase shifter and combines this information with a signal representing the desired phase to generate a control signal for the phase shifter.