Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and apparatus for implementing a true-time-delay wideband digital beamformer. In true-time-delay wideband digital beamformers of the present invention, improved control over beam properties formed by the combination of the beamformer and a multi-element antenna coupled to the beamformer is achieved through finer control of delays imparted to data signals. In beamformers of the present invention, data is delayed using a coarse control that provides a delay in whole increments of a clock cycle of a digital clock reference and a fine control that provides a delay corresponding to a fraction of a whole clock cycle of the digital clock reference. In the true time delay method of the present invention, transmission and reception across a wide frequency band is accommodated. In the true time delay method of the present invention, multiple simultaneous beams are formed independently, beam-to-beam, across a wide frequency band.

Abstract: Antenna elements and systems and other radio and microwave frequency devices are constructed with a high index of refraction medium having high matched values of relative permeability and relative permittivity, and a low loss tangent. By making the permeability of the transmission medium substantially equal to its relative permittivity, the impedance of the material is matched to that of the surrounding free space or air. By immersing a radiating element in such a material, and/or by using such a material between adjacent radiating elements or between a radiating element and a reflective ground plane, the physical size and/or the spacing of the elements may be substantially reduced without appreciable performance loss, thereby resulting in a more compact device that is particularly desirable for mobile applications.

Abstract: A circularly polarized phased array antenna system for both reception and transmission applications includes a plurality of planar radiating (or receiving) elements, a switching matrix for each radiating element, a beamforming network and a transmit/receive module. Each planar element includes 4.times.N radially disposed segments that may be selectively connected with the four modes of a circularly polarized signal such that two opposing segments function as the two respective arms of a dipole radiating element and two orthogonal such dipoles function as a crossed pair of dipoles for receiving or transmitting the circularly polarized signal. The switching matrix and the beamforming network cooperate to determine the polarization phase of the radiating element by commutating the four modes of the circularly polarized signal to any four orthogonal segments of the radiating element.

Abstract: A method of passive ranging and geolocation of multiple emitters by a single detection platform. Two independent emission sequences support formulation of two independent algebraic equations involving a triangular arrangement of platform and emitters. One sequence constitutes an interrogation signal by one emitter and a transponded or reflected signal from another. A second emission sequence constitutes the reversed order of emitters from those of the first emission sequence. The method utilizes the steps of measuring the time difference of arrival at the platform of signals having travelled the direct path and the transponded or reflected paths, and measuring the angles of arrival of received signals for each independent emission sequence. A series of steps computing ranges and angles based on prior measurements provide a set of desired ranges and angles identifying the relative positions of the emitters relative to the platform.

Abstract: Antenna elements and systems and other radio and microwave frequency devices are constructed with a high index of refraction medium having high matched values of relative permeability and relative permittivity, and a low loss tangent. By making the permeability of the transmission medium substantially equal to its relative permittivity, the impedance of the material is matched to that of the surrounding free space or air. By immersing a radiating element in such a material, and/or by using such a material between adjacent radiating elements or between a radiating element and a reflective ground plane, the physical size and/or the spacing of the elements may be substantially reduced without appreciable performance loss, thereby resulting in a more compact device that is particularly desirable for mobile applications.