Abstract: A planar scanning antenna is configured for scanning and tracking. In one embodiment, the planar scanning antenna may include a transducer module configured to provide an electromagnetic beam. According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus may include a first planar dielectric element having an axis of rotation and configured to direct an electromagnetic beam. In one embodiment, a second planar dielectric element oriented adjacent to the first planar dielectric element and having the axis of rotation may be configured to direct electromagnetic energy. The apparatus may further include a mounting structure arranging the transducer module and the first and second planar dielectric elements. In yet another embodiment, the apparatus may include a drive means for positioning the first planar dielectric element independently from the second planar dielectric element.

Abstract: A deployable microwave phasing structure having a plurality of planar sub-panels, each of the planar sub-panels having a reflective surface configured to reflect microwaves. In one embodiment, the phasing structure includes a plurality of joints configured to inter-connect the plurality of planar sub-panels to provide a first reflective surface geometry. In one embodiment, the deployable microwave phasing structure includes a plurality of joints configured to inter-connect the plurality of planar sub-panels to provide a first reflective surface geometry. According to another aspect of the invention, the phasing structure includes a phasing arrangement configured to provide an electromagnetic response of a second reflective surface geometry.

Abstract: A microwave phasing structure configured to reflect microwaves within an operation frequency band includes a planar array of phasing. The plurality of phasing elements may be supported by a support grid having a first predefined spacing interval. The phasing structure may include a planar pattern including a plurality of openings having a second predefined spacing interval. The phasing structure may include a support means for securing the phasing array and the planar pattern substantially in parallel.

Abstract: A deployable microwave phasing structure having a plurality of sub-panels forming a non-planar reflective surface when in a deployed state. In one embodiment, the phasing structure includes a plurality of joints configured to inter-connect the plurality of sub-panels. In one embodiment, the deployable microwave phasing structure includes a folding means for arranging the phasing structure into a plurality of states, the plurality of states including the deployed state and a collapsed state, wherein the collapsed state is characterized by a substantially planar profile.

Abstract: An antenna assembly is provided having a primary feedhorn arranged in a first plane and configured to provide a first scan pattern having a first gain and first beamwidth. In another embodiment, a plurality of feedhorns are configured to provide a second scan pattern, wherein each of the plurality of feedhorns may be oriented substantially parallel to the first plane. A support structure may be provided to arrange the primary feedhorn in the first plane and the plurality of feedhorns substantially in parallel to the first plane. According to another embodiment, the first and second scan patterns produce a resulting scan pattern having a resultant beamwidth greater than the first beamwidth and a resultant gain that is greater than a minimum gain requirement.

Abstract: A reflective antenna is provided according to one or more embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment, the reflective antenna may include a radome having a fixed orientation within the elevation plane. According to another embodiment, a reflective antenna positioned within the radome. The reflective antenna may include a feedhorn configured to provide electromagnetic energy at an operation frequency. In another embodiment, the reflective antenna may include a reflective surface having multiple electromagnetically loading structures. The reflective surface may be curved in the azimuth plane and configured to reflect the electromagnetic energy relative to at least one focal point. According to another embodiment, the reflective antenna may include a support structure configured to position the feedhorn and reflective surface within the radome in order to angularly steer the electromagnetic energy with respect to the elevation plane.

Abstract: A reflective antenna is provided according to one or more embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment, the reflective antenna may include a feedhorn arrangement configured for an operation frequency. According to another embodiment, the reflective antenna may include a curved reflective surface having a plurality of electromagnetically loading structures. The curved reflective surface may be configured to reflect incident electromagnetic energy to corresponding to the operation frequency relative to at least one focal point. In another embodiment, the reflective antenna may include a support structure configured to arrange the feedhorn arrangement and the curved reflective surface such that the antenna assembly may be configured to provide multiple electromagnetic beams exhibiting high gain relative to the at least one focal point.

Abstract: A phasing structure includes a support matrix for a reflective surface which reflects microwaves within an operation frequency band. The reflective surface includes a plurality of adjustable sub-panels. In one embodiment, the phasing structure may include a phasing arrangement of electromagnetically-loading structures supported by the support matrix. The sub-panels may be secured to the support matrix and individually adjustable using a securing means which, in one embodiment, includes one or more differential bolts matrix.

Abstract: A method of reducing blockage in a reflector antenna includes disposing a feed mechanism in front of a first reflector and disposing a second reflector in front of the feed mechanism. The second reflector permits energy to pass that would otherwise have been blocked from being received or transmitted by the first reflector. A reflector antenna is also formed in accordance with this method. Another method of reducing blockage in a reflector antenna includes disposing a first feed mechanism in front of a first reflector and disposing a second antenna in front of the first feed mechanism. The first feed mechanism blocks energy from being received or transmitted by the first reflector. The second antenna receives or transmits energy blocked by the first feed mechanism. A reflector antenna is also formed in accordance with this method.

Abstract: A receiver for a digital beamforming radar system includes a plurality of antenna elements, low-noise block converters, one or more analog-to-digital converters, and a processor. The antenna elements receive a radar signal and output a received signal. The low-noise block converters are modified commercially available components used in satellite television systems, respond to the received signal from a corresponding antenna element, and output an intermediate frequency signal. The low-noise block converters include at least one amplifier, a mixer, and a local oscillator input. The local oscillator input enables an external local oscillator signal to be inputted to the mixer. The analog-to-digital converters are responsive to the intermediate frequency signal of a corresponding low-noise block converter. The processor is responsive to the digital signals output by the analog-to-digital converters.

Abstract: A phased array antenna includes phase shifting elements, drivers, and antenna elements. The phase shifting elements are operatively coupled to first signals and second signals, and include at least one plasma electrode. The drivers selectively energize the plasma electrode and the phase shifting elements provide a phase shift between the first and second signals in response to the plasma electrode being energized. The antenna elements are operatively coupled to the phase shifting elements. A method of phase shifting an array antenna includes the steps of providing phase shifting elements operatively coupled to first signals and second signals, and incorporating at least one plasma electrode in the phase shifting elements. The method also includes the steps of selectively energizing the plasma electrode, shifting the phase between the first signals and second signals in response to the plasma electrode being energized, and operatively coupling antenna elements to the second signals.

Abstract: A satellite communications antenna includes a low-windload reflector so that the antenna may be used on high windload locations, such as on a ship. The reflector has a support structure which includes a grid-like structure having relatively large apertures therein to allow wind to pass therethrough. The reflector further includes reflective radiators, such as dipoles, mounted to the support structure for focusing at least one desired frequency of operation. The reflector is also formed in component parts for easy assembly/disassembly should it be necessary to deploy the system elsewhere.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing an antenna control system. The antenna control system having an antenna control unit electrically coupled to an antenna pedestal. The present invention simulates the operational environment of the antenna control system and records the systems responses to the simulation. The responses are then analyzed and the antenna control system is adjusted to correct errors.

Abstract: An electronic scan antenna for generating an electrically scanned RF beam in response to an incident RF beam having at least one operating frequency band associated therewith includes a ground plane for reflecting the incident RF beam and a phasing arrangement of plasma structures operatively coupled to the ground plane. Each plasma structure includes gas containing areas which are reflective at the operating frequency range, when ionized, forming ionized plasma areas. Each ionized plasma area is disposed a first distance from the ground plane, a second distance from adjacent ionized plasma areas and each plasma ionized plasma area has a particular size associated therewith. In this manner, each ionized plasma area, in cooperation with the ground plane, provides a portion of a composite RF beam which has a phase shift associated therewith.

Abstract: A variable width waveguide scanner includes a pair of spaced apart waveguides defined by U-shaped sleeves each having an open end. A U-shaped plunger having spaced apart parallel first and second arms is coupled to the waveguides such that the arms are received by the open ends of the sleeves and are reciprocatingly slidable in the sleeves. A plurality of radiating elements in the form of spaced apart slots are formed in an end wall of each waveguide.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an electrically thin microwave phasing structure for electromagnetically emulating a desired reflective surface of selected geometry over an operating frequency band. The microwave phasing structure comprises a support matrix and a reflective means for reflecting microwaves within the frequency operating band. The reflective means is supported by the support matrix. An arrangement of electromagnetically-loading structures is supported by the support matrix at a distance from the reflective means which can be less than a fraction of the wavelength of the highest frequency in the operating frequency range. The electromagnetically-loading structures are dimensioned, oriented, and interspaced from each other and disposed at a distance from the reflective means, as to provide the emulation of the desired reflective surface of selected geometry.