Abstract: A phased array antenna includes a transmission line network, e.g. optical or coaxial cable network, and a reference signal generator to provide a reference frequency signal to each of the antenna radiating elements. A phase calibrator generates a calibration signal. e.g. a swept frequency signal, on the transmission line network which is also reflected to create a reflected calibration signal. The phase calibrator determines a frequency difference between the calibration signal and the reflected calibration signal at each of a plurality of taps, and outputs a delay measurement signal to the antenna radiating elements, e.g. via an antenna controller, for adjusting a phase of the reference frequency signal.

Abstract: A micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) phase shifter for shifting the phase of a radio frequency (RF) signal. The phase shifter includes a quadrature coupler having an input port, an output port, a first load port and a second load port. A first variable reactance is coupled to the first load port and a second variable reactance is coupled the second load port. Each variable reactance has a plurality of reflecting phase shifting elements each having an associated micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) switching element to individually and selectively couple the reflecting phase shifting element to the appropriate load port.

Abstract: A delayed decision feedback sequence estimation diversity receiver includes a section for extracting a plurality of reception signals by using a plurality of antennas when estimating a transmission signal from reception signals having undergone transmission path distortion, a section for combining impulse response sequences in transmission paths while canceling delayed wave components having the largest amplitudes in delayed wave component sequences in impulse response sequences in the respective transmission paths, and a section for performing signal estimation on the basis of a new impulse response sequence generated by combining the impulse response sequences. A delayed decision feedback sequence estimation method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A phased array antenna is formed from an array of apertures having walls containing phase shifter devices for phase shifting and beam steering a radiated beam of the phased array antenna. The phase shifter devices are interconnected with an interconnect structure formed from substrate slats that form the walls of the apertures. The substrate slats may be thin film circuitized column slats having a metal substrate, dielectric layers, metal bias/control circuitry, a shielding layer, and circuit terminations to connect to a phase shifter device attached to the substrate slat.

Abstract: A S/N enhancer using the magnetostatic wave signal. The S/N enhancer comprises a balun coupler for dividing an input signal into a first and second signals having the same power, the second signal having the phase difference of 180 degree with respect to the first signal; a saturation magnetostatic wave filter for receiving the first signal output from the balun coupler, converting that into a magnetostatic wave signal, and oppositely converting the magnetostatic wave signal, wherein the power of the magnetostatic wave signal is saturated if the first signal has the power of equal to and more than that of a noise signal; a delay line having the linearity to transmit the second signal output from the balun coupler; and a power synthesizer for synthesizing the respective signals output from the saturation magnetostatic wave filter and the delay line.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the beam direction of a beam radiated from a stationary array of antenna elements. The device includes a feed line structure configured as a star with at least four line segments extending from a central source connection terminal at the centre of the star, to the respective feed connection terminals. The dielectric body with two different body portions, having different effective dielectric values, is displaceable between two end positions in a central, region of the device.

Abstract: A distributed active antenna includes a power module having a parallel combination of power amplifiers for driving each antenna element of the distributed active antenna. A predistortion linearization circuit may be coupled to each power module to linearize the output of each antenna element of the distributed active antenna.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for providing improved wireless data communication. Preferred embodiments of the present invention utilize multiple antenna beams in the forward link to provide increased forward link capacity and/or improved forward link signal quality. Multiple orthogonal sub-pilots are transmitted from a plurality of antenna elements for use in determining forward link channel characteristics according to a preferred embodiment. Forward link channel estimates may then be made by the preferred embodiment subscriber units and provided in a reverse link control channel to the corresponding base station. Multiple beams may also be utilized in the reverse link to provide increased reverse link capacity, such as for use in providing feedback of forward link channel estimates.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for addressing the effects of non-linear phase response, such as by equalizing electrical delays among transmission paths. A preferred embodiment provides phase detection circuitry and phase adjustment circuitry in the signal paths of a multiple beam or phased array antenna to provide delay equalization of the signal paths. Communication systems implementing the systems and methods of the present invention are provided broadband phase calibration and, therefore, are enabled to provide controlled and predictable beam forming over a broad range of frequencies.

Abstract: A wireless local area network and location system for locating objects within a monitored environment are disclosed. A plurality of access point stations receive and transmit communication signals within a wireless local area network. A processor is operatively connected to each of the access point stations and operative for processing communication signals received from the mobile station and, in one embodiment, determining which communication signals are first-to-arrive signals and conducting differentiation of the first-to-arrive signals to locate a mobile station. Delayed versions of at least one interference signal are weighted and the amplitude and phase controlled with weighted functions W1, W2 . . . Wn. The resultant weighted replicas are summed to determine an approximation of disbursed interference for cancelling interference. The location system can include a tag transmitter and spaced monitoring receivers and processor.

Abstract: A chirp-based method and apparatus measures phase variation through a reference frequency transport cable for a phased array antenna. A chirp is injected into the a signal transport path from a remote transmit/receive portion of the antenna, so that the chirp is conveyed over the signal path, reflected from an upstream bandpass filter at a local transmit/receive portion of the antenna, and returned to a remote transmit portion of the antenna. Energy in the returned chirp is extracted by a downstream bandpass filter and correlated in a delay lock loop with energy in an auxiliary chirp signal, that is delayed relative to the injected chirp. The delay of the auxiliary chirp is adjusted to maximize the correlation output and provide an indication of the delay through the signal path.

Abstract: A true-time delay feeder for multiple aperture beam steering devices. The feeder comprises a plurality of tunable time delay modules. The tunable time delay modules provide different delays to different beamlets without changing the spectrum of each beamlet. The tunable true-time delay modules provide for temporal synchronization and spatial coherence of the beam front.

Abstract: Delay profile creation sections 7 and 8 create a delay profile for each of fixed directivity reception signals combined using a plurality of fixed weight patterns. A path search section 11 detects a delay profile in which the maximum peak has appeared. An initial value weight selection section 12 selects the fixed weight corresponding to the delay profile in which the maximum peak has appeared as an initial value weight. An adaptive array antenna reception control section 13 uses this initial value weight as the initial value of an optimization algorithm to calculate the optimal weight of the adaptive array antenna. Thus, it is possible to reduce the time required to calculate the optimal weight by means of the optimization algorithm.

Abstract: In a satellite ranging system predetermined bit sequence or group of bit sequence in a transport stream, which is a digital signal are used to generate trigger signals on the basis of which the delay introduced into the transport stream by the travel path from a satellite ground station to the satellite and back or to another satellite ground station is determined allowing a calculation of the distance between the ground station(s) and the satellite. The predetermined bit sequence or group of bit sequences may be inserted into the transport stream at the uplink site, for example as a specific payload P. In order to avoid insertion of additional packets the transport stream or part of it may be used as a predetermined bit sequence.

Abstract: A chirp-based arrangement derives a measure of phase variation through a reference frequency transport cable of a phased array antenna architecture, such as a spaceborne synthetic aperture radar system. A direct digital synthesized chirp signal is injected in an upstream direction into the transport cable from a downstream end thereof, so that the chirp signal is transmitted in an upstream direction, reflected from an upstream bandpass filter, and returned in a downstream direction. At each of a plurality of nodes that are distributed along the transport cable, the two chirp signals are extracted and frequency domain-processed to derive said measure of transport delay through the cable between the source of the reference frequency signal and each of the nodes.

Abstract: System and method for controlling an antenna beam. The system can include a slot array (100) having a plurality of slot elements (102) and a fluid control system (206, 207, 302) responsive to a control signal 301. The fluid control system can independently vary a selected volume of a fluid dielectric (300) coupled to each of the slot elements (102). In so doing, the system can steer and shape an electromagnetic field incident on the slot array. The slot array (100) can optionally comprise at least one conductive ground plane (308) for reflecting the incident electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A microstrip trombone delay line is used to provide a low cost true time delay device. An array of printed trombone lines arranged in a network is used to implement a linear beamformer. The beamformer forms an array that scans signals in one or more dimensions. Each microstrip trombone delay line includes printed traces on a fixed substrate and a printed trombone line on a movable superstrate. The microstrip trombone delay line may have different dimensions to vary the characteristic impendence at either end for impedance matching purposes. Beamformers using microstrip trombone delay lines and scanning in multiple principal planes require few movable parts and only linear actuators.

Abstract: In a system according to the proposed technique (see figure), the signal received by each element of the array antenna would be subjected to downconversion, and spread-spectrum demodulation and correlation as necessary; this processing would be performed separately from, and simultaneously with, similar processing of signals received by the other antenna elements. For the GPS implementation, following downconversion to baseband, the signals would be digitized, and all subsequent processing would be digital. In the digital process, residual carriers would be removed and each signal would be correlated with a locally generated model pseudo random-noise code, all following normal GPS procedure. As part of this procedure, accumulated values would be added in software and the resulting signals would be phase-shifted in software by the amounts necessary to synthesize the desired antenna directional gain pattern of peaks and nulls.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for constructing phased array antenna beamforming networks are provided, that allow to scan multiple beams and select appropriate sets of delay lines simultaneously. The beamforming networks disclosed herein generate less losses than conventional ones and in some cases, do not require active switching, making them completely passive. Three main methods are comprised in the invention: (1) laser wavelength hierarchies, (2) arrangements of Wavelengths Division Multiplexing (WDM) components, (3) re-use of laser wavelengths. Multiple laser wavelengths are arranged in groups and subgroups (wavelength hierarchies) in the wavelength domain. By switching between these wavelength groupings, the arrangements of WDM components disclosed herein enable the beamforming network to direct the beam signals to the proper time delay lines, and to differentiate multiple beams.

Abstract: A satellite antenna system (30) that employs a small phased antenna array (46) acting as redundant antenna. Because the phased array (46) is steerable, it can be selectively directed to any of the cells (16) on the Earth (12) in the event that the LNA in an antenna channel (32) fails. The phased array (46) is switched into each antenna channel (32) after the channel front end (40) where a switch (56) used to switch in the phased array (46) is after the amplification in the channel (32). Therefore, the switch (56) does not significantly affect the noise figure of the channel front end (32).

Abstract: A reduced-size GPS antenna with anti-jam capabilities includes eight inclined monopole elements making available a primary and seven auxiliary antenna patterns usable with multi-pattern adaptive processing for anti-jam operation. An excitation network coupled to the eight monopole elements can be configured to provide the eight antenna patterns having quadrature characteristics with low mutual coupling. Bent monopoles or other elements may also be utilized. With availability of the primary and auxiliary patterns, multi-pattern adaptive processing can be employed during airborne operations to actively provide reduced-gain pattern notches or nulls to track incident angles of interference or jamming signals. In other embodiments selected combinations of less than all of the eight antenna patterns or other patterns may be employed.

Abstract: An apparatus to permit real time movements and events experienced by one or more individuals to be recorded for subsequent replay in a virtual reality domain. The apparatus comprises a GPS receiver for receiving a plurality of GPS signals, a processor operatively connected to the GPS receiver and programmed to calculate the position of the receiver relative to the surface of the earth, a memory module operatively connected to the processor, and means to permit data corresponding to the movement of the GPS receiver and data corresponding to events experienced by the operator to be downloaded into the memory of a secondary processor. The processor stores in the memory module data corresponding to the calculated position of the GPS receiver and the movement of the GPS receiver for a given time interval. The memory module also stores data corresponding to specific events experienced by an operator of the apparatus during the time interval.

Abstract: An active array radar system is controlled by photonic signals. The array of N antenna elements is divided into M subarrays, each having N/M antenna elements. Tunable lasers provide M optical wavelengths within non-overlapping bands. For transmission, a microwave transmit pulse is amplitude modulated onto the M optical signals. Time delays are introduced for an offset between elements in a subarray and for an offset between subarrays. By using wavelength division multiplexing each antenna element on the array has a true time delay.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus capable of generating scanning beams through a range of 0°-90° is provided. The antenna apparatus includes one or more rows of antenna elements, with the antenna elements in each row being arranged in pairs. The elements within a pair are separated by a distance of about lambda/four, and the pairs are separated by a distance of about lambda/two, where lambda is the wavelength of the center frequency of signals transmitted from the antenna apparatus. Transmit/receive circuitry may be electrically connected to each pair of antenna elements, with the signal to elements within a pair having a phase quadrature relationship so that the pair of antenna elements generates a scanning beam in one direction and a control pattern null is achieved in another direction. A control system controls the generation of a scanning beam output by the antenna apparatus.

Abstract: This invention provides a phased array antenna comprising an input, a feed network electronically coupled to the input, a plurality of radiating elements, a plurality of continuously voltage tunable phase shifters for receiving signals from the feed network and providing phase shifts for the signals prior to transmitting the signals to the radiating elements, and a controller for controlling the phase shift provided by the phase shifters. The phased array antennas can be configured to produce beams that can be scanned in one dimension (one-dimensional) or two dimensions (two-dimensional) by using continuously adjustable phase shifters that are based on low cost, low loss voltage-tunable dielectric materials.

Abstract: This invention provides a phased array antenna comprising an input, a feed network electronically coupled to the input, a plurality of radiating elements, a plurality of continuously voltage tunable phase shifters for receiving signals from the feed network and providing phase shifts for the signals prior to transmitting the signals to the radiating elements, and a controller for controlling the phase shift provided by the phase shifters. The phased array antennas can be configured to produce beams that can be scanned in one dimension (one-dimensional) or two dimensions (two-dimensional) by using continuously adjustable phase shifters that are based on low cost, low loss voltage-tunable dielectric materials.

Abstract: A data transmission method, particularly in electric networks, in which coded data are blockwise modulated onto several carrier frequencies within one or several particular frequency bands by an orthogonal frequency division multiplex method (OFDM) and in which the signal corresponding to a data block and obtained by inverse Fourier transformation is transferred to a receiver for a predetermined time duration (T), where individual signals succeed as signal blocks in time. In some embodiments, each signal is multiplied with a window function before transmission, the absolute value of the Fourier transform of which has a zero crossing at the respectively used carrier frequencies, and has secondary maxima, which have a damping of at least −30 dB in relation to the main maximum. In some embodiments, a digital filter can be used instead of the window function, the digital filter having an odd number of coefficients Ck, k=−m, . . . 0, . . .

Abstract: An RF phase shifter circuit includes first and second RF ports, and a switch circuit comprising a plurality of micro-electro-mechanical (“MEM”) switches responsive to control signals. The switch circuit is arranged to select one of a plurality of discrete phase shift values introduced by the phase shifter circuit to RF signals passed between the first and second RF ports. The circuits can be connected to provide a single-pole-multiple-throw (SPMT) or multiple-pole-multiple-throw (MPMT) switch function. The phase shifter circuits can be used in an electronically scanned array including a linear array of radiating elements, with an array of phase shifters coupled to the radiating elements. An RF manifold including a plurality of phase shifter ports is respectively coupled to a corresponding phase shifter RF port and an RF port. A beam steering controller provides phase shift control signals to the phase shifters to control the phase shift setting of the array of the phase shifters.

Abstract: An optical method and apparatus for generating true time delay signals for a phased array antenna. An optical beam is directed along a series of N paths of equal length L having U-turns therebetween and optical sub-beams are extracted at ends of the N paths and converted to electrical signals to create the true time delays.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic active phase control array antenna having two beams which comprises: a first array unit for performing phase shifting on radio waves received via satellite communication, combining them, and generating first beams on the basis of a first phase delay control value according to a first beam frequency; and a second array unit for performing phase shifting on the output value phase-shifted by the first array unit on the basis of a second phase delay control value for compensating for the phase delay difference according to a second beam frequency shifted through the first array unit, and generating second beams.

Abstract: A microwave transmitter circuit including a divider series feed signal line, collector series feed signal line, a plurality of parallel solid state amplifier coupler circuits connected between the divider series feed line and the collector series feed line, and phase shifting circuitry distributed along the collector series feed line for compensating phase tracking error between the divider series feed line and the collector series feed line.

Abstract: In an adaptive antenna receiving apparatus, a plurality of correlations between adjacent antennas are detected for each path, a fixed beam unique to each path arrival direction of the desired wave is formed on the basis of a vector generated by averaging the detected correlations, and each path is received and combined, or a plurality of correlations between adjacent antennas are detected for each signal sequence despread with a plurality of chip timings, a fixed beam unique to the arrival direction of each signal sequence is formed on the basis of a vector generated by averaging the detected correlations, and a path timing is detected on the basis of a delay profile generated from an output of each signal sequence, or a plurality of correlations between adjacent antennas are detected for each signal sequence despread with a plurality of chip timings, a fixed beam unique to the arrival direction of each signal sequence is formed on the basis of a vector generated by averaging the detected correlations, a path

Abstract: The present invention is about phased array antenna using gain switched multimode Fabry-Perot laser diode (FP-LD) and high-dispersion fiber. More particularly, the invention deals with techniques that allow compact and low-cost system implementation for phased array antenna adopting optical control and also allows continuous time delay for each antenna in the array to induce phase difference.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for determining a propagation time of a signal transmitted from a first location to a second location as a request signal and received as a response signal by the first location via a channel. In an example embodiment, a method comprises the step of determining the propagation time of the signal based on a local counter value that represents the time between transmission of the request signal and reception of the response signal, a remote counter value that depends on the request signal and being known to the first location, and a determinable time-delay value. The remote counter value represents an inter-time-delay between the reception of the request signal and the start of transmission of the response signal at the second location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to radio systems and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for receiving radio signals with the aid of beams generated by antenna assemblies. For each of the beams in a first of the antenna assemblies there is a beam in the second of the antenna assemblies that covers the same space area. Signals received by the second are delayed relative to signals received by the first of the antenna assemblies. Then signals from the first antenna assembly are combined with signals from the second of the antenna assemblies. The combined signals derive from beams covering the same space area. Each combined signal is then radio received in a joint radio receiver. A DOA-estimation can be calculated on the basis of radio received signals derived from all beams.

Abstract: This invention pertains in general to a method of synchronizing remote stations in a communications system and, more particularly, to a method for measuring delay between two remote stations in a communications system. A method of measuring delay between a first station and a second station in different localities in a communications system that includes transmitting a first signal from the first station to the second station and simultaneously resetting a counting clock in the first station, receiving a delayed first signal at the second station, transmitting the delayed first signal to the first station, receiving a further delayed first signal at the first station and simultaneously stopping the counting clock, calculating the number of counts elapsed in the counting clock between the resetting and the stopping of the counting clock, wherein each count of the counting clock equals the period of the counting clock, and multiplying the number of counts with the period of the counting clock.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a preprocessor is provided for use in an adaptive antenna array. The purpose of the preprocessor is to modify the incoming signals received by each antenna of an antenna array in such a manner as to reduce the amount of computation necessary to compute the adaptive array weights. In an adaptive array, the weight computation process generally requires calculations using digital electronics, which tend to be computationally intensive when applied to wideband, high sample rate signals. The preprocessor of the present invention solves this problem by filtering the data in such a manner as to reduce the sample rate of the signal without losing the essential characteristics of the signal. The preprocessor includes an input terminal for receiving an electromagnetic signal from an antenna element of the adaptive antenna array, and a frequency smearer operatively coupled to the input terminal.

Abstract: A navigation system is provided with: a present position detecting device for detecting a present position of a movable body; a reading device for reading map data recorded on a recording medium; a nonvolatile storage device for storing the map data thereon; a selecting device for selecting an area as an object to be transmitted in accordance with the present position; a transmitting device for reading the recorded map data corresponding to the area from the recording medium and transmitting the read map data to the nonvolatile storage device at a predetermined timing; and a controlling device for controlling a navigation operation to assist the movable body in traveling on the basis of the recorded map data on the recording medium and the stored map data on the nonvolatile storage device.

Abstract: An antenna beamformer is disclosed that uses controllable time delay elements distributed in a planar fractal feed network between the input port and multiple output ports. The use of time delay elements, rather than phase shifting elements, allows the beamformer to maintain a constant steering angle independent of frequencies over a broad range of frequencies. In addition, fewer control signals are used to control all of the time delay elements due to distributing the time delay elements throughout the fractal feed network, rather than grouping the delay elements near the output ports.

Abstract: An active array radar system is controlled by photonic signals. The array of N antenna elements is divided into M subarrays, each having N/M antenna elements. Tunable lasers provide M optical wavelengths within non-overlapping bands. For reception, the microwave signals are optically modulated onto a single fiber for each subarray. Time delays are introduced for an offset between elements in a subarray and for an offset between subarrays. By using wavelength division multiplexing, a true time delay is attributed to each antenna element on the array. A non-coherent optical combiner having an array of N photodetectors demodulates the receive signals and recovers the coherent sum of the RF signals.

Abstract: The present invention is about phased array antenna using gain switched multimode Fabry-Perot laser diode (FP-LD) and high-dispersion fiber. More particularly, the invention deals with techniques that allow compact and low-cost system implementation for phased array antenna adopting optical control and also allows continuous time delay for each antenna in the array to induce phase difference.

Abstract: A phased array type antenna apparatus compensates for phase and time differences between signals received at different elements of the antenna. Each element within the antenna apparatus has an associated phase/time adjuster circuit. The signals from each element are divided, with the first output routed to a combining circuit. The second output of one element is used as a reference signal, with the second output from the remaining elements routed to a switch. One signal is selected at the switch, and is used as a non-reference signal. Phase difference between the reference signal and the non-reference signal is determined at a comparator circuit, and the phase/time adjuster circuit associated with the non-reference signal is adjusted to bring the two signals into phase alignment. Time difference between the reference and non-reference signal is determined using dual correlators and a comparator circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for phased array antenna beamforming. An incoming electrical wavefront is received by an antenna. Laser light is amplitude modulated to provide a synthesized optical wavefront beam. The synthesized optical wavefront is mixed with the incoming electrical wavefront by optical modulation to provide a resultant optical waveform tilted to a coarse scan angle. The resultant optical waveform is transmitted to a predetermined delay line to provide an electrical output from the predetermined delay line corresponding to a main lobe of the resultant optical waveform.

Abstract: A system and technique for phased array antenna beam steering for transmitting and receiving without sending the waveform through an actual (physical) time delay when a time varying frequency is used as the waveform. The inventive system is adapted for use with an antenna having an array of radiating elements and includes a plurality of signal sources. Each source is adapted to provide a signal having a predetermined frequency offset signal for an associated radiating element or set of radiating elements. For transmit a plurality of first mixers is provided. Each of the first mixers is coupled to receive an excitation signal as a first input and the output from a respective one of the sources as a second input. The output of each mixer is coupled to a respective subset of the antenna radiating elements. In effect, each of the sources provides a virtual time delay.

Abstract: The invention in general terms relates to an antenna device for a telecommunication station, able to transmit or receive a signal and comprising a plurality of radiating elements disposed in a periodic arrangement having at least one spatial periodicity. The device has antenna configuration means adapted to cause the value of the said spatial periodicity to vary according to the transmission conditions. The antenna device can in particular be configured so as to operate according to a beam shaping mode or according to a spatial diversity mode.

Abstract: An adaptive antenna reception apparatus includes a reference signal level determination section, reception level detection sections, and beam formers. The reference signal level determination section determines the level of a reference signal for generating an error signal used for antenna adaptive control on the basis of a reception level of each antenna before beam forming. The reception level detection sections calculate antenna weighting factors for the respective paths on the basis of the multiplex signals received through the respective antennas and the error signal output from the reference signal level determination section. The beam formers receive the received multiplex signals and form antenna directivity beams for the respective paths in accordance with the antenna weighting factors output from the reception level detection sections.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for constructing phased array antenna beamforming networks are provided, that allow to scan multiple beams and select appropriate sets of delay lines simultaneously. The beamforming networks disclosed herein generate less losses than conventional ones and in some cases, do not require active switching, making them completely passive. Three main methods are comprised in the invention: (1) laser wavelength hierarchies, (2) arrangements of Wavelengths Division Multiplexing (WDM) components, (3) re-use of laser wavelengths. Multiple laser wavelengths are arranged in groups and subgroups (wavelength hierarchies) in the wavelength domain. By switching between these wavelength groupings, the arrangements of WDM components disclosed herein enable the beamforming network to direct the beam signals to the proper time delay lines, and to differentiate multiple beams.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for constructing phased array antenna beamforming networks are provided, that allow to scan multiple beams and select appropriate sets of delay lines simultaneously. The beamforming networks disclosed herein generate less losses than conventional ones and in some cases, do not require active switching, making them completely passive. Three main methods are comprised in the invention: (1) laser wavelength hierarchies, (2) arrangements of Wavelengths Division Multiplexing (WDM) components, (3) re-use of laser wavelengths. Multiple laser wavelengths are arranged in groups and subgroups (wavelength hierarchies) in the wavelength domain. By switching between these wavelength groupings, the arrangements of WDM components disclosed herein enable the beamforming network to direct the beam signals to the proper time delay lines, and to differentiate multiple beams.

Abstract: A system and technique for phased array antenna beam steering for transmitting and receiving without sending the waveform through an actual (physical) time delay when a time varying frequency is used as the waveform. The inventive system is adapted for use with an antenna having an array of radiating elements and includes a plurality of signal sources. Each source is adapted to provide a signal having a predetermined frequency offset signal for an associated radiating element or set of radiating elements. For transmit a plurality of first mixers is provided. Each of the first mixers is coupled to receive an excitation signal as a first input and the output from a respective one of the sources as a second input. The output of each mixer is coupled to a respective subset of the antenna radiating elements. In effect, each of the sources provides a virtual time delay.

Abstract: An electronic circuit with at least one active electronic component (10) and a delay element connected to the component. The delay element comprises an electric conductor (13, 18) which is composed of a conductive material on an insulating layer (14) such that the conductor's capacitive coupling to the surrounding becomes low. The conductor (13, 18) is drawn such that its inductance is minimized. The electronic component (10) and conductor (13, 18) are integrated in an integrated circuit. The delay element can be used in an oscillator coupling or in an electronically controlled antenna. In the oscillator coupling the electronic component (10) comprises an inverter coupling (11) with an input (11) and an output (12). The conductor (13) is provided to connect input (11) with output (12), thus creating an oscillator. The electronically controlled antenna comprises a receiver (17) and a number of antenna elements (16) connected to the receiver (17).