Abstract: An electronic scanning antenna system configured for beam scanning operation includes a plurality of antenna modules, each respective antenna module including: (a) a plurality of antenna elements arranged in a plurality of element sets, the plurality of element sets being arranged in a plurality of columns; (b) a plurality of beam forming network devices coupled with the plurality of antenna elements, each respective beam forming network device including at least one tunable dielectric phase shifter unit; and (c) at least one control unit coupled with the plurality of beam forming network devices, each control unit controlling the plurality of beam forming network devices to configure signals to operate the plurality of antenna elements to effect the beam scanning operation.

Abstract: A circuit for providing a control voltage for tunable dielectric devices, the circuit comprising an input for receiving a voltage command signal, a charging circuit for establishing a desired voltage level on a first capacitor in response to the voltage command signal, and a switch for switching voltage on the first capacitor to a tunable dielectric device to control a dielectric constant of tunable dielectric material in the tunable dielectric device. A second capacitor, second charging circuit, and second switch can be used to provide voltage to the tunable dielectric device during charging or discharging of the first capacitor. The method for providing a control voltage for tunable dielectric devices performed by these circuits is also included.

Abstract: An electronic scanning antenna system configured for beam scanning operation includes a plurality of antenna modules, each respective antenna module including: (a) a plurality of antenna elements arranged in a plurality of element sets, the plurality of element sets being arranged in a plurality of columns; (b) a plurality of beam forming network devices coupled with the plurality of antenna elements, each respective beam forming network device including at least one tunable dielectric phase shifter unit; and (c) at least one control unit coupled with the plurality of beam forming network devices, each control unit controlling the plurality of beam forming network devices to configure signals to operate the plurality of antenna elements to effect the beam scanning operation.

Abstract: A circuit for providing a control voltage for tunable dielectric devices, the circuit comprising an input for receiving a voltage command signal, a charging circuit for establishing a desired voltage level on a first capacitor in response to the voltage command signal, and a switch for switching voltage on the first capacitor to a tunable dielectric device to control a dielectric constant of tunable dielectric material in the tunable dielectric device. A second capacitor, second charging circuit, and second switch can be used to provide voltage to the tunable dielectric device during charging or discharging of the first capacitor. The method for providing a control voltage for tunable dielectric devices performed by these circuits is also included.

Abstract: A remote recording unit, which is worn by a child, monitors the ambient sounds in a day care center (for example) and records selected sound bytes that are played back on a docking unit. The time duration between sound bytes is periodic and re-programmable. The remote recording unit is "childproof" and tamper-evident to generate an internal "flag" which will be displayed on the docking unit, indicating that the remote recording unit was removed by an unauthorized person. The device is equally applicable to a patient, older person or pet left in the care of a third person or persons or placed in a facility or institution.