Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated antenna array comprising a plurality of interleaved sub-arrays separately controllable and responding to either the same or separate frequency bands. Both arrays operate with substantially the same phase center and substantially within the same effective aperture. The first sub-array of array comprises of spaced linear radiating elements such as dipoles, log-periodic, Yagi, slotted-waveguide, patch, or array consisting of the same or different elements as used in the first sub-array, either on the same or an entirely different frequency band. Independent beam shaping systems are shown for independent operation of the two arrays.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed which provide aggressively sculpted or shaped antenna beams, such as sector antenna beams, for use in communication networks. Preferred embodiments use passive antenna feed networks, preferably configured as personality modules, which are adapted for corresponding topological and morphological features. Preferred embodiment feed networks may be coupled to linear or curvilinear antenna arrays to provide antenna beams having a desired contour. Using the disclosed systems and methods path loss variance is minimized for improved system capacity and/or signal quality. Moreover, the disclosed systems and methods provide for reduced average transmission power levels further allowing increased capacity and/or signal quality.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides an antenna array for transmitting one or more beams in a communication system. The antenna includes a cavity slot antenna array that is adapted to be operatively connected to a beam forming module (e.g., via a plurality of signal feed lines that are connected to radiating signal probes). The antenna array has one or more cavity slot columns adjacently fixed to one another with each of the one or more columns having at least one cavity slot antenna element for providing a radiating beam component. The combined cavity slot elements from the one or more columns define a cavity slot array for providing the one or more beams from the cavity slot beam components.

Abstract: A receiving system 100 is disclosed which includes at least one antenna 101 providing a plurality of antenna beams providing signal diversity between communicated signals. A first processing branch 103 is included for processing a first plurality of signals appearing within a first plurality of the antenna beams. The first processing branch 103 includes a plurality of signal paths, some of which include delays 105, each receiving a one of the first plurality of signals from a corresponding one of the first plurality of antenna beams. Delays 105 apply a predetermined amount of delay proportionate to the corresponding one of the beams. First processing branch 103 further includes a combiner 106 for combining the first plurality of signals after output from the plurality of signal paths. A second processing branch 104 is provided for processing a second plurality of signals appearing within a second plurality of the antenna beams.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing antenna beams having reduced grating and side lobes when steered off of the antenna broadside are disclosed. According to the present invention an arrangement of antenna elements suitable for use in generating antenna beams steered at greater angles off of the antenna broadside is utilized with a beam feed network consistent with the antenna beams being steered at the greater angles and reduced antenna element spacing to provide the reduced grating and side lobes. A preferred embodiment utilizes a 2n+1 Butler matrix coupled to 2n+1 antenna columns spaced according to the present invention to provide 2n antenna beams. Preferred embodiments provide a dual mode antenna system in which antenna elements of a first mode are interspersed with antenna elements of a second mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for illuminating multiple columns of antennas to provide a desired wave front without introducing non-coherent combining. The preferred embodiment feed network provides elevation scanning for a multiple beam antenna system on a per antenna beam basis. In a preferred embodiment columns of antenna elements are divided into phase-centers having a relative phase shift introduced there between. Phase differentials are introduced into the antenna beam signals of each phase-center of antenna elements in order to provide a phase progression which steers the antenna beam a predetermined angle from the broadside. The phase differentials are independently provided for each antenna beam signal to thereby allow independent steering of each antenna beam.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing antenna beams having reduced grating and side lobes when steered off of the antenna broadside are disclosed. According to the present invention an arrangement of antenna elements suitable for use in generating antenna beams steered at greater angles off of the antenna broadside is utilized with a beam feed network consistent with the antenna beams being steered at the greater angles and reduced antenna element spacing to provide the reduced grating and side lobes. A preferred embodiment utilizes a 2n+1 Butler matrix coupled to 2n+1 antenna columns spaced according to the present invention to provide 2n antenna beams.

Abstract: A diverging shall antenna fed by a waveguide supplying TE.sub.11 mode is described. A dielectric rod partially contained within the waveguide converts the TE.sub.11 mode to a dominant or HE.sub.11 mode. The HE.sub.11 mode is controllably converted to second and third order modes in the diverging shell by discontinuities placed in predetermined locations in the diverging shell. The discontinuities generating the second mode are incorporated into the dielectric rod structure. Turning of the relative amplitude and phase of the second and third order modes relative to the HE.sub.11 mode is achieved by slideably positioning the dielectric rod. An alternative embodiment of the inventive device includes a reactive surface of the diverging shell.