Abstract: A distributed control system for an active array antenna system is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the array system employs many transmit/receive (T/R) modules each with an associated radiator element, a phase shifter element and a set of RF switch elements to set the module to transmit or receive modes. The array system is arranged to generate a transmit or receive array beam. The distributed control system in an exemplary embodiment includes an array processor for controlling the array, the processor configured to generate command signals to set the T/R module elements to transmit or receive mode and to steer the array beam to a desired direction. The command signals to steer the array beam include phase slopes common to all T/R modules in a given array or subarray.

Abstract: A distributed control system for an active array antenna system is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the array system employs many transmit/receive (T/R) modules each with an associated radiator element, a phase shifter element and a set of RF switch elements to set the module to transmit or receive modes. The array system is arranged to generate a transmit or receive array beam. The distributed control system in an exemplary embodiment includes an array processor for controlling the array, the processor configured to generate command signals to set the T/R module elements to transmit or receive mode and to steer the array beam to a desired direction. The command signals to steer the array beam include phase slopes common to all T/R modules in a given array or subarray.

Abstract: An integrated point-to-point microwave radio frequency unit/antenna has a housing, a microwave antenna affixed to the front face of the housing, and a microwave radio frequency transceiver electronics package within the housing. The transceiver electronics package includes a circuit board having transmitter and receiver intermediate frequency processors. The transceiver electronics package further includes a microwave transmitter and a microwave receiver, each utilizing monolithic microwave integrated circuit architecture. The signals of the microwave transmitter and microwave receiver are preferably of different frequencies and are diplexed for communication with the antenna.

Abstract: A frequency upconversion circuit in a millimeter wave radio transmitter uses a low frequency synthesizer and a parallel frequency mixing and multiplication network for converting a low frequency signal to a millimeter wave radio frequency (RF) signal. A frequency downconversion circuit in a millimeter wave radio receiver uses a low frequency synthesizer and a parallel frequency mixing and multiplication network for converting a millimeter wave RF signal to a low frequency signal.

Abstract: A waveguide evanescent mode filter is integrated with a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) by forming both the MMIC circuitry and the waveguide filter on a single substrate that forms a common ground plane for both elements. The waveguide has a superstructure with an interior recess that is contoured to provide a desired cutoff frequency. The underlying portion of the ground plane can form the lower portion of the waveguide itself, and can also be contoured to define the cutoff frequency. Adjustable attenuation is provided by a resistive card that can be inserted by different amounts into the waveguide.