Abstract: A phased-array antenna system includes: an array of discrete antenna modules disposed conformally with an exterior surface of a platform; a digital distribution system comprising a digital communications medium to convey digital signals to and/or from respective input/output ports of the antenna modules; and a controller system to supply and/or receive the digital signals to/from the antenna modules via the digital distribution system. The controller system controls relative phases of the digital signals to enable the antenna elements to form a directive antenna beam pattern. Each antenna module includes: an antenna element to emit and/or absorb RF signals; an input/output port to send and/or receive digital signals; an electronics unit including an A/D and/or D/A converter to provide an interface between the antenna element and the input/output port; and a housing in which the antenna element and electronics unit are packaged.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an antenna unit includes a coupler, a phase-shifting modulator, and an antenna element. The coupler has first and second input-output ports, a coupled port, and an isolated port. The phase-shifting modulator includes a transmission medium coupled to the coupled port, a reflector, control nodes, and active devices each having a respective first device port coupled to a respective location of the transmission medium, a respective second device port coupled to the reflector, and a respective control port coupled to a respective one of the control nodes. And the antenna element is coupled to the phase-shifting modulator via the isolated port.

Abstract: An embodiment an antenna unit of an antenna array includes a signal coupler, a phase-shifting modulator, and an antenna element. The signal coupler has a first input-output port, a second input-output port, and a coupled port. The phase-shifting modulator is coupled to the coupled port of the signal coupler, and the antenna element is coupled to the phase-shifting modulator via a connection remote from the signal coupler, or via an isolated port of the signal coupler. The phase-shifting modulator is configured for both relatively low signal loss and relatively low power consumption such that the antenna array can have significantly lower C-SWAP metrics than a conventional phased array while retaining the higher performance metrics of a conventional phased array.

Abstract: A phased-array antenna system includes: an array of discrete antenna modules disposed conformally with an exterior surface of a platform; a digital distribution system comprising a digital communications medium to convey digital signals to and/or from respective input/output ports of the antenna modules; and a controller system to supply and/or receive the digital signals to/from the antenna modules via the digital distribution system. The controller system controls relative phases of the digital signals to enable the antenna elements to form a directive antenna beam pattern. Each antenna module includes: an antenna element to emit and/or absorb RF signals; an input/output port to send and/or receive digital signals; an electronics unit including an A/D and/or D/A converter to provide an interface between the antenna element and the input/output port; and a housing in which the antenna element and electronics unit are packaged.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an antenna unit for an antenna array allows shifting the phase of a radiated or received signal without the need for a phase shifter, and includes an antenna element, switching devices, and signal couplers. The antenna element includes at least one section and signal ports each electrically isolated from each other and from each of the at least one section. The switching devices are each configured to couple a respective one of the signal ports to one of the at least one section in response to a respective control signal, and the signal couplers are each configured to couple a respective one of the signal ports to a respective location of a respective transmission medium.

Abstract: An embodiment an antenna unit of an antenna array includes a signal coupler, a phase-shifting modulator, and an antenna element. The signal coupler has a first input-output port, a second input-output port, and a coupled port. The phase-shifting modulator is coupled to the coupled port of the signal coupler, and the antenna element is coupled to the phase-shifting modulator via a connection remote from the signal coupler, or via an isolated port of the signal coupler. The phase-shifting modulator is configured for both relatively low signal loss and relatively low power consumption such that the antenna array can have significantly lower C-SWAP metrics than a conventional phased array while retaining the higher performance metrics of a conventional phased array.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an antenna unit for an antenna array allows shifting the phase of a radiated or received signal without the need for a phase shifter, and includes an antenna element, switching devices, and signal couplers. The antenna element includes at least one section and signal ports each electrically isolated from each other and from each of the at least one section. The switching devices are each configured to couple a respective one of the signal ports to one of the at least one section in response to a respective control signal, and the signal couplers are each configured to couple a respective one of the signal ports to a respective location of a respective transmission medium.