Abstract: The present invention, Methods for RF or Acoustic Boresighting, is a collection of various methods of accounting for and correcting for the errors that occur in a receiver during signal collection, and are an extension of patent Ser. No. 10/185,022, by using Radio Frequency coupling as opposed to switches. These updated methods enable a means to ensure a collected signal can be calibrated at any point during the signal collection period without having to cease signal collection in order to switch in a reference signal. These methods also account for signal bandwidth and signal type, including wideband, pulse, and continuous signals.

Abstract: In the design of phased array antennas, as well as simple use of compact antennas, there is a strong interest to locate higher frequency antennas closer in spacing, and/or on the same surface, as the larger frequency antennas. What is needed is an array antenna technology, which can be conformal, and can interleave elements, as the frequency increases, to reduce array grating lobes. The desired solution would have much fewer required RF antenna ports, than the Tightly Coupled Dipole Antenna solutions. The optimal solution would also enable Dual or Diverse Polarization. This innovation embeds a wideband Slot Antenna, within the physical area of a larger electric dipole Antenna or Cross Dipole Antenna, with a De-Coupling gap around the Slot Ground Plane (or conductor) and isolates the Wideband Slot Antenna (the inner antenna) from the Dipole or Monopole antenna leg(s) (the Outer Antenna). Both (Inner and Outer) antennas have independent feeds and independent transmission line(s).

Abstract: Methodology to combine Wave Mechanics with Retro-Reflection, to take in the Far Field emitted (incident) signal via a small array, process the signal and Retro-Reflectively re-transmits the signal back out, with the Wave Mechanics rotation mechanism injected into the array weights. The novelty is using a captured estimate of the incident steering vector, and using each weight to construct the R matrix for a given desired rotation angle. This R matrix is then used to compute a set of transmit weights, that will produce the rotation angle, with an unknown incident signal angle.

Abstract: The Forward Error Correction (FEC) technique completely estimates the total path length, time delays, as well as amplitude values and variations for the full path between the RF exciters and antennas, in an RF Phased Array System. These paths are normally unknown and therefore difficult to calibrate. The technique also corrects for phase and amplitude differences and variations in non-equal length RF cables, thus removing the requirement for phase matched cables in the array system.

Abstract: Over-sampling of the received signal above the traditional Nyquist Sampling Rate, using a High Speed Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) is used to produce additional vector signal samples that then synthetically generate “fill in” antennas, at the vacant or “hole” positions in Phased Arrays systems. Benefits of this technology include elimination of grating lobes, increased directed array gain, as well as reduction of sidelobe energy. This technique can also be used to, in addition to, the (Passive Beam Mechanics #U.S. Provisional Patent No. 62/895,574) technology used to increase the effective size of the original (real, versus synthetic) antenna or array, which results in the construction or generation of a narrower beamwidth. Major applications for the technology include Radar and RF Communications. It should be noted that this technology is also applicable for use in Acoustics, such as underwater detection and location of signals, or for (air) acoustic communications.

Abstract: A wideband dual polarized antenna array system, with minimal number of RF ports that enables wideband array frequency ratios of 25:1 to 120:1. Reduced grating lobe performance is enabled by employing antennas-within-antennas. Orientation and spacing of antennas in novel methodologies further reduces sidelobes and grating lobes. Finally, this technology reduces the number of RF ports, compared to Tightly Coupled Dipole Antenna (TCDA) arrays by 10× to 25× times.

Abstract: Invention that uses over-sampling of the Analog to Digital Converter to produce additional synthetic vector signal samples that are used to construct high dimensional Signal Data Vectors and Calibration Steering Vectors, that are used to synthetically increase the effective size of the original real array which results in the generation of a narrower array beamwidth.

Abstract: A wideband dual polarized antenna array system, with minimal number of RF ports that enables wideband array frequency ratios of 25:1 to 120:1. Reduced grating lobe performance is enabled by employing antennas-within-antennas. Orientation and spacing of antennas in novel methodologies further reduces sidelobes and grating lobes. Finally, this technology reduces the number of RF ports, compared to Tightly Coupled Dipole Antenna (TCDA) arrays by 10× to 25× times.

Abstract: In the design of phased array antennas, as well as simple use of compact antennas, there is a strong interest to locate higher frequency antennas closer in spacing, and/or on the same surface, as the larger frequency antennas. What is needed is an array antenna technology, which can be conformal, and can interleave elements, as the frequency increases, to reduce array grating lobes. The desired solution would have much fewer required RF antenna ports, than the Tightly Coupled Dipole Antenna solutions. The optimal solution would also enable Dual or Diverse Polarization. This innovation embeds a wideband Slot Antenna, within the physical area of a larger electric dipole Antenna or Cross Dipole Antenna, with a De-Coupling gap around the Slot Ground Plane (or conductor) and isolates the Wideband Slot Antenna (the inner antenna) from the Dipole or Monopole antenna leg(s) (the Outer Antenna). Both (Inner and Outer) antennas have independent feeds and independent transmission line(s).

Abstract: A slot antenna where the inner CPW trace is migrated to the inside of the slot, rather than being external to the slot, and thus inverts the polarity of the center trace and puts the CPW feed section inside (within) the slot structure itself. Therefore, in this novel embodiment, the CPW feed does not increase the net size of the antenna, and results in a much smaller and/or compact design. In this fashion, now both the outer conducting surface and the CPW trace are connected and both negative (ground) polarity, whereas the tuning element is positive polarity. Thus the inner CPW trace becomes the same polarity as the outer ground conducting surface. This design is compact, without compromising an excessive amount of ground plane structure.

Abstract: Invention that uses over-sampling of the Analog to Digital Converter to produce additional synthetic vector signal samples that are used to construct high dimensional Signal Data Vectors and Calibration Steering Vectors, that are used to synthetically increase the effective size of the original real array which results in the generation of a narrower array beamwidth.

Abstract: A dual polarization antenna is described. An antenna under the present disclosure can comprise a plurality of legs, and a plurality of parasitic elements disposed between the legs. Feeds are connected to both the legs and the parasitics. By feeding the parasitics the antenna can be dual polarized, providing greater reception and transmission capabilities, as well as saving space compared to other dual polarized antennas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for a leading and trailing edge antenna structure. The antenna disclosed, with optional director and reflector, can allow for greater RF and telecommunications capabilities on an aircraft, including operating at lower frequencies than previous solutions. The disclosure allows for greater capability with negligible effect on weight or drag of an aircraft.

Abstract: A method for calibrating signals that uses continuous calibration throughout the signal collection process is described.

Abstract: An antenna comprising a plurality of legs, a plurality of parasitic elements, each disposed between two of the plurality of legs and a gap between each of the parasitic elements and each of the associated legs that the parasitic element is disposed between.

Abstract: A signal repeating element for repeating a signal includes a housing, at least one transmit antenna element positioned on one side of the housing and at least one receive antenna element positioned on the same one side of the housing. Receiver and transmitter circuitry is coupled with respective ones of the receive and transmit antenna elements. Phase circuitry for affecting the phase of signals from the at least one receive antenna element and at least one transmit antenna element is coupled between the respective receive or transmit antenna element and the receiver or transmitter circuitry.

Abstract: A signal repeating element for repeating a signal includes a housing, at least one transmit antenna element positioned on one side of the housing and at least one receive antenna element positioned on the same one side of the housing. Receiver and transmitter circuitry is coupled with respective ones of the receive and transmit antenna elements. Phase circuitry for affecting the phase of signals from the at least one receive antenna element and at least one transmit antenna element is coupled between the respective receive or transmit antenna element and the receiver or transmitter circuitry.

Abstract: A repeater and associated method of use includes at least one antenna element for communicating in one direction and at least one antenna element for communicating in another direction. A radio frequency uplink path and a radio frequency downlink path are coupled between the antennas. At least one of the radio frequency uplink path or the radio frequency downlink path includes an adaptive cancellation circuit. The adaptive cancellation circuit is configured to generate a cancellation signal without requiring an injected signal. The cancellation signal, when added to a radio frequency signal in the respective uplink and downlink paths, substantially reduces feedback signals present in the radio frequency signal.

Abstract: A repeater and associated method of use includes at least one antenna element for communicating in one direction and at least one antenna element for communicating in another direction. A radio frequency uplink path and a radio frequency downlink path are coupled between the antennas. At least one of the radio frequency uplink path or the radio frequency downlink path includes an adaptive cancellation circuit. The adaptive cancellation circuit is configured to generate a cancellation signal without requiring an injected signal. The cancellation signal, when added to a radio frequency signal in the respective uplink and downlink paths, substantially reduces feedback signals present in the radio frequency signal.

Abstract: A repeater and associated method of use includes at least one antenna element for communicating in one direction and at least one antenna element for communicating in another direction. A radio frequency uplink path and a radio frequency downlink path are coupled between the antennas. At least one of the radio frequency uplink path or the radio frequency downlink path includes an adaptive cancellation circuit. The adaptive cancellation circuit is configured to generate a cancellation signal without requiring an injected signal. The cancellation signal, when added to a radio frequency signal in the respective uplink and downlink paths, substantially reduces feedback signals present in the radio frequency signal.