Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a stacked parasitic array. The stacked parasitic array may include a stack of multiple parasitic antenna arrays (ex.—layers). Each of the parasitic antenna arrays (ex.—layers) may be independently tuned for multiband operation or, alternatively, the parasitic antenna arrays (ex.—layers) may be designed for common band and fed coherently as a collinear array for promoting increased gain and elevation beam steering.

Abstract: Electronically scanned arrays and multi-chip modules (MCMs) that may be used in such arrays are provided. One MCM may include a set of one or more first semiconductor components and a plurality of second semiconductor components. The first semiconductor component set is coupled to the plurality of second semiconductor components, and the first semiconductor component set is configured to control the plurality of second semiconductor components. Each of the plurality of second semiconductor components is accessible through a plurality of data strings providing communication between the first semiconductor component set and the plurality of second semiconductor components, each data string defining a unique path between the first semiconductor component set and the plurality of second semiconductor components, such that the plurality of data strings provide redundant data paths between the first semiconductor component set and the plurality of second semiconductor components.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in a vehicle are provided. A vehicle can be an aircraft, truck, ship, automobile, locomotive, etc. A system includes a housing having an exterior surface for housing sensor or communication equipment and interior surface for housing electronics associated with the equipment. The sensor or communication equipment can include a radar antenna mounted on or adjacent to the exterior surface, and at least one of a Satcom antenna, altimeter antenna, vision sensor or any communication link antenna.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an ESA radar to mitigate degradation of its radiation system. The radiation system includes the distribution manifold, the ESA radiating elements and the radome the ESA may be operating through. Sensing of degradation takes place both locally with a switchable matched load to identify individual ESA element characteristics and globally with target based radar return data. The data generated by this sensing of both local and global characteristics is then used to modify available ESA element complex weighting to produce a desired far-field radiation pattern.

Abstract: A hybrid satellite antenna comprises an ESA with two steerable dimensions connected to a motor. The motor rotates the antenna about an axis to position the antenna such that a satellite signal can be sufficiently resolved using the two steerable dimensions of the ESA.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for a hybrid multi-mode airborne and rotary wing radar Electronically Scanned Antenna (ESA). Pulsed Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC) Transmit and Receive Modules (TRM) are nested with Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) transmit elements within the aperture of an ESA. FMCW elements only transmit while the pulsed TRM receive both the pulsed return and the FMCW return. During the hybrid configuration, both the pulsed and FMCW performance is limited to less than the full ESA aperture. In an alternate configuration, individual TRM are configured for transmit and receive of both FMCW and pulsed signals are coupled within the aperture of the ESA. The individual elements offer full aperture performance in both pulsed and FMCW operation. A diplexer controls channel deconfliction between the pulsed and the FMCW transmissions/receptions while a switching network directs the individual elements to hop between the pulsed and FMCW modes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in a vehicle are provided. A vehicle can be an aircraft, truck, ship, automobile, locomotive, etc. A system includes a housing having an exterior surface for housing sensor or communication equipment and interior surface for housing electronics associated with the equipment. The sensor or communication equipment can include a radar antenna mounted on or adjacent to the exterior surface, and at least one of a Satcom antenna, altimeter antenna, vision sensor or any communication link antenna.

Abstract: A two panel radar system is disclosed. The radar system may include a pair of AESA panels respectively positioned on either side of a central axis, wherein a pointing direction of the first AESA panel is offset by a predetermined angle in a clockwise direction with respect to the central axis and a pointing direction of the second AESA panel is offset by the predetermined angle in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the central axis. A controller may be configured for selectively activating at least one of: the first AESA panel for providing a first coverage area in a first direction offset from the central axis, the second AESA panel for providing a second coverage area in a second direction offset from the central axis, or the pair of AESA panels jointly for providing a third coverage area between the first coverage area and the second coverage area.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a dual-polarized antenna array including a first BAVA, a second BAVA and a cradle assembly. The cradle assembly includes first, second and third U-channel modules connected via first and second frame portions. The first U-channel module, the second U-channel module, and the first frame portion receive first, second and third edge portions of a substrate of the first BAVA, respectively. The second U-channel module, the third U-channel module, and the second frame portion receive first, second and third edge portions of a substrate of the second BAVA, respectively. When received within the cradle assembly, the substrate of the first BAVA is oriented perpendicular to the substrate of the second BAVA. The first BAVA is a vertical polarization input and the second BAVA is a horizontal polarization input.

Abstract: An integrated antenna system is disclosed which may include a first antenna sub-system. The integrated antenna system may further include a second antenna sub-system. The first antenna sub-system may be a Ku-band antenna sub-system. The second antenna sub-system may be one of: an L-band antenna sub-system or a C-band antenna sub-system. The second antenna sub-system may be tightly/seamlessly integrated with the first antenna sub-system, thereby providing a system with integrated antenna bands which provides omni-directional coverage.

Abstract: A parasitic array antenna and a beamforming method for such a parasitic array antenna are disclosed. The parasitic array antenna may include a single driven element at the center of a ground plane. The driven element may be surrounded by multiple parasitic elements. RF loading may be selectively applied to each parasitic element. When symmetric loading is applied to the parasitic elements, the parasitic array antenna may function as an omnidirectional antenna. When asymmetric loading is applied to the parasitic elements, a null and a directional beam may be formed for the parasitic array antenna, therefore providing beamforming capabilities to the parasitic array antenna.

Abstract: The present invention includes a substrate; a central monopole element configured to radiate electromagnetic energy, the central monopole element disposed within a central monopole element through-hole of the substrate and extending from the first to the second surface of the substrate, the central monopole element formed by plating the central monopole element through-hole; a plurality of parasitic elements surrounding the central monopole element, each of the parasitic elements disposed within a parasitic element through-hole of the substrate and extending from the first to the second surface of the substrate, each of the plurality of parasitic elements formed by plating a parasitic element through-hole; a ground plane disposed on the second surface of the substrate; and a plurality of load circuits, each load circuit being connected to a parasitic element of the plurality of parasitic elements, each load circuit further being connected to the ground plane.

Abstract: A device occupying a volumetric space definable within the bounds of a substantially spherical volume for realizing isotropic radiation may include a support for supporting a plurality of multi-polarization capable antenna elements. The plurality of antenna elements may include a first antenna element oriented in a first direction, a second antenna element oriented in a second direction, and a third antenna element oriented in a third direction. The support may support the first antenna element, the second antenna element, and the third antenna element in an arrangement such that the second direction is at least substantially different than the first direction, and the third direction is at least substantially different than the first direction and the second direction. The plurality of antenna elements generally occupies a volumetric space definable within the bounds of a substantially spherical volume.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an antenna system which may serve as a common antenna for multiple avionics systems implemented on-board an aircraft. The antenna system provides horizontal and vertical polarization functionality, while providing high isolation between a first input port of a coupler of the antenna system (the first input port being connected to a first avionics system) and a second input port of the coupler (the second input port being connected to a second avionics system).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to antenna system embodiments which allow for hand-held, ultra-wideband (UWB) multi-antenna operation to be realized within the severe size constraints necessary for Department of Defense (DOD) hand-held missions. Further, the antenna system embodiments disclosed herein provide a miniature UWB multiple antenna solution for multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) and radiation pattern null steering suitable for hand-held soldier radios.

Abstract: A two panel radar system is disclosed. The radar system may include a pair of AESA panels respectively positioned on either side of a central axis, wherein a pointing direction of the first AESA panel is offset by a predetermined angle in a clockwise direction with respect to the central axis and a pointing direction of the second AESA panel is offset by the predetermined angle in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the central axis. A controller may be configured for selectively activating at least one of: the first AESA panel for providing a first coverage area in a first direction offset from the central axis, the second AESA panel for providing a second coverage area in a second direction offset from the central axis, or the pair of AESA panels jointly for providing a third coverage area between the first coverage area and the second coverage area.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a dual-polarized antenna array including a first BAVA, a second BAVA and a cradle assembly. The cradle assembly includes first, second and third U-channel modules connected via first and second frame portions. The first U-channel module, the second U-channel module, and the first frame portion receive first, second and third edge portions of a substrate of the first BAVA, respectively. The second U-channel module, the third U-channel module, and the second frame portion receive first, second and third edge portions of a substrate of the second BAVA, respectively. When received within the cradle assembly, the substrate of the first BAVA is oriented perpendicular to the substrate of the second BAVA. The first BAVA is a vertical polarization input and the second BAVA is a horizontal polarization input.

Abstract: An integrated antenna system is disclosed which may include a first antenna sub-system. The integrated antenna system may further include a second antenna sub-system. The first antenna sub-system may be a Ku-band antenna sub-system. The second antenna sub-system may be one of: an L-band antenna sub-system or a C-band antenna sub-system. The second antenna sub-system may be tightly/seamlessly integrated with the first antenna sub-system, thereby providing a system with integrated antenna bands which provides omni-directional coverage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an integrated antenna and feed network assembly. The integrated antenna and feed network assembly includes a spiral antenna which is suitable for implementation with ELINT DF systems. The integrated antenna and feed network assembly further includes a feed network, which may include a stripline Balun feed. The feed network is electrically connected to the antenna. Further, the integrated antenna and the feed network assembly provides for integration of the antenna and the feed network into a single PCB assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a High Frequency (HF) shunt antenna which promotes improved performance over currently available antenna solutions. The HF shunt antenna may include a shunt plate structure which includes multiple shunt plates configured in a parallel orientation relative to each other and provides an expansive surface area which may promote reduced inductance and lower equivalent parallel resistance of the HF shunt antenna, thereby allowing the HF shunt antenna to be spec-compliant and tunable by a HF coupler, without increasing the footprint of the HF shunt antenna and without reducing radiation efficiency of the antenna.