Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a phased array solid-state architecture has dual-polarized feeds and is manufactured, for example, on highly flexible silicon germanium (SiGe). The implementation of dual-polarized feeds facilitates the operation of phased arrays where the polarization can be statically or dynamically controlled on a subarray or element basis. In an exemplary embodiment, the sub-component control is configured to optimize a performance characteristic associated with polarization, such as phase or amplitude adjustment. An active phased array architecture may replace traditional distributed and GaAs implementations for the necessary functions required to operate electronically steerable phased array antennas.

Abstract: A system and method of minimizing a polarization quantization error associated with an antenna sub-array. The antenna sub-array includes at least two radiating elements, with the radiating elements having different polarization orientations from other radiating elements in the antenna sub-array. The radiating elements are dual polarized and have electronic polarization control. In an exemplary embodiment, the radiating elements are configured to reduce the polarization quantization error to be less than half of a polarization quantization step size. In various embodiments, rotating the radiating elements and implementing a phase delay, individually or in combination, is used to change the polarizations of the radiating elements.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a method and system for designing an inclined antenna array with a hybrid mechanical-electronic steering system with improved radiation performances at low elevation angles is presented. In an exemplary embodiment, a radiating element structure is attached to a mounting surface and includes a patch antenna and a ground plane. The bottom edge of the patch antenna is farther from the mounting surface than the top edge of the patch antenna. If the radiating element structure is used in an inclined array antenna, then the patch antenna has an uncovered view of a low elevation angle. Furthermore, at least a portion of a patch antenna may be uncovered and have a clear view. A clear view of the low elevation angle results in increased directivity and increased polarization quality due to reduced signal scattering.