Patents by Inventor Rodney K. Bonebright

Rodney K. Bonebright has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11276939
    Abstract: A phased array antenna system includes a plurality of radio frequency (RF) tile sub-arrays. Each RF tile sub-array includes a multiplicity of RF elements, a tile control integrated circuit, a multiplicity of RF integrated circuits and a configuration storage device. The configuration storage device stores data including calibration and configuration information that is unique to the RF tile sub-array and the tile control integrated circuit. The multiplicity of RF integrated circuits, the multiplicity of RF elements, and the configuration storage device are disposed on a single associated RF tile sub-array. The system also includes an antenna controller configured to process data for steering or tracking one or more RF beams by the multiplicity of RF elements. The calibration and configuration information that is unique to the RF tile sub-array is downloaded from the configuration storage device through the tile control integrated circuit to an RF element compensation table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert G. Ford, Frank R. Brogden, Jay W. Clement, Rodney K. Bonebright
  • Publication number: 20190181561
    Abstract: A phased array antenna system includes a plurality of radio frequency (RF) tile sub-arrays. Each RF tile sub-array includes a multiplicity of RF elements, a tile control integrated circuit, a multiplicity of RF integrated circuits and a configuration storage device. The configuration storage device stores data including calibration and configuration information that is unique to the RF tile sub-array and the tile control integrated circuit. The multiplicity of RF integrated circuits, the multiplicity of RF elements, and the configuration storage device are disposed on a single associated RF tile sub-array. The system also includes an antenna controller configured to process data for steering or tracking one or more RF beams by the multiplicity of RF elements. The calibration and configuration information that is unique to the RF tile sub-array is downloaded from the configuration storage device through the tile control integrated circuit to an RF element compensation table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Robert G. Ford, Frank R. Brogden, Jay W. Clement, Rodney K. Bonebright
  • Patent number: 10290939
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for regulating heat for a Phased Array Antenna (PAA). The system includes a PAA, which includes array elements to handle Radio Frequency (RF) signals. The PAA also includes a circuit. The circuit includes an amplifier that operates on a current to amplify signals for the PAA, and a sensor that measures temperature at the MMIC. The PAA also includes an array controller that adjusts the current for the amplifier based on a temperature measured by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Rodney K. Bonebright, Mark William Steeds, Gary Wilsey, Jacob C. Killens
  • Patent number: 10256538
    Abstract: Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for a true time delay function. The true time delay function may be implemented, for example, as a selectable signal delay circuit for broad bandwidth time control of phased array antenna element signals. In one example, a system comprises a selectable signal delay circuit including a plurality of delay lines, an input port, and an output port, wherein the delay lines are disposed between the input port and the output port. A plurality of amplifiers are coupled to corresponding ones of the plurality of delay lines and coupled between the input port and the output port. A plurality of switches are configured to selectively couple the plurality of delay lines and corresponding amplifiers to provide a selectable delay and amplification between the input port and the output port. Additional systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Rodney K. Bonebright, Mark W. Steeds, Eric M. Kawalsky
  • Patent number: 10243276
    Abstract: A phased array antenna system includes a plurality of radio frequency (RF) tile sub-arrays. Each RF tile sub-array includes a multiplicity of RF elements, a tile control integrated circuit, a multiplicity of RF integrated circuits and a configuration storage device. The configuration storage device stores data including calibration and configuration information that is unique to the RF tile sub-array and the tile control integrated circuit. The multiplicity of RF integrated circuits, the multiplicity of RF elements, and the configuration storage device are disposed on a single associated RF tile sub-array. The system also includes an antenna controller configured to process data for steering or tracking one or more RF beams by the multiplicity of RF elements. The calibration and configuration information that is unique to the RF tile sub-array is downloaded from the configuration storage device through the tile control integrated circuit to an RF element compensation table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert G. Ford, Frank R. Brogden, Jay W. Clement, Rodney K. Bonebright
  • Publication number: 20180076518
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for regulating heat for a Phased Array Antenna (PAA). The system includes a PAA, which includes array elements to handle Radio Frequency (RF) signals. The PAA also includes a circuit. The circuit includes an amplifier that operates on a current to amplify signals for the PAA, and a sensor that measures temperature at the MMIC. The PAA also includes an array controller that adjusts the current for the amplifier based on a temperature measured by the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Rodney K. Bonebright, Mark William Steeds, Gary Wilsey, Jacob C. Killens
  • Patent number: 9853599
    Abstract: An antenna array includes a plurality of power amplifiers, each having a signal input, a signal output coupled to a cell of the antenna array, and a power input. The antenna array includes a plurality of power supplies, each power supply individually and separately coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of power amplifiers at a respective power input. The antenna array further includes single a pre-distortion linearizer with a linearizer input that receives a signal and a linearizer output that is coupled to each signal input of each of the plurality of power amplifiers. Each power amplifier is operated in gain compression by setting its operating voltage according to a power output of the power amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Rodney K. Bonebright, Brian K. Kormanyos, Thomas H. Friddell
  • Publication number: 20170163217
    Abstract: An antenna array includes a plurality of power amplifiers, each having a signal input, a signal output coupled to a cell of the antenna array, and a power input. The antenna array includes a plurality of power supplies, each power supply individually and separately coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of power amplifiers at a respective power input. The antenna array further includes single a pre-distortion linearizer with a linearizer input that receives a signal and a linearizer output that is coupled to each signal input of each of the plurality of power amplifiers. Each power amplifier is operated in gain compression by setting its operating voltage according to a power output of the power amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Rodney K. Bonebright, Brian K. Kormanyos, Thomas H. Friddell
  • Patent number: 9667467
    Abstract: Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for a distributed gain function. The distributed gain function may be implemented, for example, as a second amplification stage to maintain amplification in an RF distribution network of a compact high gain phased array antenna system. In one example, a system comprises a plurality of element circuits, each coupled to one or more antenna elements. Each element circuit comprises a first amplification stage. A distribution network configured to couple the plurality of element circuits. A distributed gain circuit coupled to the plurality of element circuits and the distribution network, wherein the distributed gain circuit comprises a second amplification stage. The antenna elements and the distribution network are integrated in a substantially planar circuit board and the plurality of element circuits are coupled to the circuit board. Additional systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Rodney K. Bonebright, Mark W. Steeds, Paul E. Jeroma
  • Publication number: 20170104268
    Abstract: A phased array antenna system may include a plurality of radio frequency (RF) tile sub-arrays arranged in a certain pattern to define an RF aperture. Each RF tile sub-array may include a multiplicity of RF elements and each RF element may be separately controlled for steering or tracking an RF beam generated or received by the RF element. The phased array antenna system may also include an antenna controller configured to process data for steering or tracking one or more RF beams by the multiplicity of RF elements. The antenna controller may additionally include a plurality of aperture state machines. An aperture state machine may be associated with each RF tile sub-array for controlling operation of the associated RF tile sub-array. The phased array antenna system may further include a plurality of RF tile buses. One RF tile bus operatively couples each aperture state machine to the RF tile sub-array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Inventors: Robert G. Ford, Frank R. Brogden, Jay W. Clement, Rodney K. Bonebright
  • Publication number: 20170063593
    Abstract: Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for a distributed gain function. The distributed gain function may be implemented, for example, as a second amplification stage to maintain amplification in an RF distribution network of a compact high gain phased array antenna system. In one example, a system comprises a plurality of element circuits, each coupled to one or more antenna elements. Each element circuit comprises a first amplification stage. A distribution network configured to couple the plurality of element circuits. A distributed gain circuit coupled to the plurality of element circuits and the distribution network, wherein the distributed gain circuit comprises a second amplification stage. The antenna elements and the distribution network are integrated in a substantially planar circuit board and the plurality of element circuits are coupled to the circuit board. Additional systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Rodney K. Bonebright, Mark W. Steeds, Paul E. Jeroma
  • Publication number: 20170062926
    Abstract: Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for a true time delay function. The true time delay function may be implemented, for example, as a selectable signal delay circuit for broad bandwidth time control of phased array antenna element signals. In one example, a system comprises a selectable signal delay circuit including a plurality of delay lines, an input port, and an output port, wherein the delay lines are disposed between the input port and the output port. A plurality of amplifiers are coupled to corresponding ones of the plurality of delay lines and coupled between the input port and the output port. A plurality of switches are configured to selectively couple the plurality of delay lines and corresponding amplifiers to provide a selectable delay and amplification between the input port and the output port. Additional systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Rodney K. Bonebright, Mark W. Steeds, Eric M. Kawalsky
  • Patent number: 9543915
    Abstract: Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for stacked active RF circuits implemented as amplification stages in high gain phased array antenna systems. Stacked active RF circuits may be implemented, for example, as an amplification stage of an element electronic circuit. Stacked active RF circuits may be implemented, for example, as a second amplification stage to maintain amplification in a high gain phased array antenna system. In one example, a system comprises a substrate comprising a plurality of substrate layers and one or more input ports and output ports. A plurality of amplification stages comprising a plurality of amplifiers, attenuators, and phase shifters are integrated within the plurality of substrate layers, the amplification stage coupled between the input and output ports. One or more monitor circuits are coupled to the plurality of amplification stages. Additional systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Rodney K. Bonebright, Jacob C. Killens, Mark W. Steeds
  • Patent number: 5828476
    Abstract: A transceiver (14) for recovering two different types of manchester coded, optical data signals from a photodiode is disclosed. The transceiver (14) includes a preamplifier (28) that receives and differentially amplifies the optical signal to reject power supply noise. The output of the preamplifier (28) is applied to an AC coupler (30) that extracts DC signal components using a switching circuit to produce a purely differential signal. A post amplifier/quantizer (34) receives the purely differential signal from the AC coupler (30) and generates a quantized signal therefrom. The quantized signal is applied to a data filter, clock recovery and control logic system 36 (36) that recovers a clock signal from the data signal that is synchronized by every data edge of the quantized signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Rodney K. Bonebright, Rodney A. Hughes, Jay W. Clement, John H. Nitardy
  • Patent number: 5546050
    Abstract: A bus leveling system for automatically monitoring and maintaining the amplitude of a radio frequency (RF) signal carded on a bus. A two-stage variable gain amplifier (64) is connected in series with the bus. Each stage of the variable gain amplifier is constructed with a PIN diode (84, 86) in a feedback path of the stage. The amplification of the variable gain amplifier is varied by the injection of current into the feedback path to adjust the resistance of the PIN diodes. A control circuit having an RE detector (78) is provided to monitor and adjust the gain generated by the variable gain amplifier. Preferably, the control circuit and the variable gain amplifier are incorporated into an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) (62). The RF detector is constructed of two Gilbert multipliers (202, 204) to minimize errors caused by operating condition changes, including variations in power supply voltage, temperature, or process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael H. Florian, Harold J. Redd, David R. Hogue, Rodney K. Bonebright