Abstract: An apparatus includes terminals configured to be coupled to a string wiring of a photovoltaic string. The apparatus also includes a power controller configured to control a power provided over the string wiring by a photovoltaic panel in the photovoltaic string. The apparatus further includes a wireless radio configured to at least one of transmit and receive wireless signals using the string wiring as an antenna. The wireless signals contain data associated with the photovoltaic panel and/or the power controller. For example, the wireless radio could be configured to receive a first signal containing a command for the power controller from the string wiring and to provide the command to the power controller. The wireless radio could also be configured to receive an acknowledgement associated with the command from the power controller and to transmit a second signal containing the acknowledgement over the string wiring for wireless transmission.

Abstract: A communication apparatus that can suppress an increase in circuit size and reduce influence of interference, includes reception array antenna elements, a reception digital beam forming (DBF) network that generates a reception beam signal for forming M reception beams using a reception signal, and reception filter banks (FBs) that generate frequency split reception beam signals obtained by frequency-splitting the reception beam signal. The communication apparatus includes an interference-source detecting unit that stores, for each reception beam, an interference candidate beam area estimated based on an initial reception beam characteristic, calculates, based on the frequency split reception beam signals, a reception spectrum, and calculates, based on the reception spectrum and a reception spectrum of a reception beam to the interference candidate beam area, an interference source area.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments generally relate to techniques for processing signals received from multiple antennas. More specifically, the disclosed embodiments relate to a system that uses an integrated phase-shifting-and-combining circuit to process signals received from multiple antenna elements. This circuit applies a specified phase shift to the input signals, and combines the phase-shifted input signals to produce an output signal. In some embodiments, the integrated phase-shifting-and-combining circuit uses a current-steering mechanism to perform the phase-shifting-and-combining operations. This current-steering mechanism operates by converting the input signals into associated currents, and then steering each of the associated currents through multiple pathways which have different delays. Next, the currents from the multiple pathways for the associated currents are combined to produce the output signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a beam steering antenna structure, including two parallel metallic boards, an antenna perpendicularly disposed between the two metallic boards, a plurality of substrates perpendicularly disposed between the two metallic boards and radially disposed around the antenna, and a bias voltage circuit. Each of the substrates has a plurality of metal units cyclically aligned thereon, and each of the metal units includes two metallic regions oppositely disposed and in no contact with each other and a transistor disposed between the two metallic regions for coupling the two metallic regions. The transistors are electrically connected to the bias voltage circuit to thereby control the steering direction of beam radiation by switching the transistors.

Abstract: A method and structure for a phased-array system. An orthogonal signal generator generates a plurality of signals C(i) that are orthogonal or near-orthogonal, meaning that a cross correlation between any two signals C(i) is lower than autocorrelation, and there is a plurality of phased-array antenna elements, each said antenna element providing a signal Sinp(i). A multiplier multiplies each signal C(i) with the signal Sinp(i) of a corresponding one of the plurality of phased array antenna elements.

Abstract: A method includes transmitting a training signal from each of N omni-directional beams corresponding to N entries in an omni-directional codebook, receiving feedback including indication(s) corresponding to an entry from a narrow beam codebook entry to use to transmit, determining, based on the indication(s), the entry from a narrow beam codebook entry to use to transmit, and transmitting a data signal using the entry from the narrow beam codebook. Another method includes receiving at a receiver a training signal including N omni-directional beams corresponding to N entries in an omni-directional codebook, determining a best entry from a narrow beam codebook to use by a transmitter in transmissions to the receiver, where the best entry is determined as a function of the received training signal including the N omni-directional beams, and transmitting to the transmitter indication(s) corresponding to the best entry of the narrow beam codebook.

Abstract: In a communication system provided with a plurality of base stations, first and second known signals are defined as known signals to be transmitted by the communication terminal. A plurality of carriers for use in transmission of the first known signal and a plurality of carriers for use in transmission of the second known signal are alternately arranged in a frequency direction in the first and second known signals in the same transmission frequency band. In each base station, at the time of transmitting a signal to a communication terminal that transmits the first known signal, the communication unit which transmits the communication terminal by use of a plurality of antennas performs null-steering in relation to transmission directivity at the plurality of antennas based on the first known signal from the communication terminal.

Abstract: Multiple radio frequency (RF) modules can be arranged in a multi-sector configuration. Each RF modules may have a wedge-like shape such that the RF modules may be adjacently affixed to one another in spherical cluster, thereby providing multi-sector coverage while maintaining a relatively compact active antenna installation. Additionally, multiple clusters of RF modules can be arranged in an array to provide beamforming and/or other advances antenna functionality.

Abstract: A system and method for synchronized and coordinated beam switching and scheduling in a wireless communications system is provided. A method for controller operation includes determining a beam cycle pattern, sharing the beam cycle pattern with neighboring controllers, receiving beam information from a communications device, generating scheduling information from the beam cycle pattern and beam cycle patterns from other controllers, receiving a transmission intended for the communications device, and causing the transmission to be transmitted to the communications device. The beam cycle pattern includes a list of beam patterns transmitted by the controller, and the transmission is transmitted using the scheduling information and the received beam information.

Abstract: A directional antenna system for an aircraft is disclosed. The directional antenna system may include an enclosure, a linear antenna array disposed within the enclosure and a controller. The linear antenna array may include a plurality of antenna elements physically oriented in the same orientation. The plurality of antenna elements may be positioned along a longitudinal axis of the aircraft and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance center-to-center. The controller may be in communication with each of the plurality of antenna elements of the linear antenna array. The controller may be configured for independently controlling a RF phase angle of each of the plurality of antenna elements based on a position of the aircraft and at least one ground station available to the aircraft, allowing the linear antenna array to concentrate RF radiations in a particular wavelength toward a general direction.

Abstract: A radar apparatus includes a phased array receiver, with a steerable receive beam. The receiver elements are grouped into subarrays, which each provide a subarray signal to a mixer. The mixer signals are then used by a DBF algorithm to determine narrow virtual beams within the receive beam. The receive beam is used to obtain radar data from sectors of the field of view, and the sectors may be approximately as wide as the receive beam. The order in which sectors are examined may be determined by the sector importance, related to the presence, nature, and/or behavior of previously tracked targets within each sector.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include a method for obtaining a calibration parameter for an antenna array. The antenna array comprises a first and a second radio module with respective associated antennas, wherein both radio modules comprise a main transmitter and a connected calibration receiver or both radio modules comprise a main receiver and a connected calibration transmitter. The method comprises: injecting a first calibration signal in the first radio module and measuring a first response to the first calibration in the first radio module. This injecting and measuring is repeated for all combinations of the first and second radio modules. Finally, a numerical value is calculated using the responses; a calibration parameter is calculated based on the calculated numerical value. Embodiments herein also include a corresponding antenna array, computer program and computer program product.

Abstract: A system and method for recalibrating a beacon for illuminating an antenna array, the system including an adjustable beacon configured to illuminate at least a portion of an array of antenna elements with a beacon signal, an element locator coupled to the antenna elements and configured to determine a location of a test element of the antenna elements with respect to a reference element of the antenna elements using RF phase sensing based upon the beacon signal as perceived by the test element and the reference element, a beam steering unit coupled between the adjustable beacon and the element locator and configured to cause the adjustable beacon to produce an adjusted beacon signal corresponding to the determined location of the test element and an antenna signal-to-noise ratio perceived by the beam steering unit, a photo-responsive element coupled to the adjustable beacon and configured to power the adjustable beacon, and a light source configured to illuminate the photo-responsive element.

Abstract: An antenna system including at least one antenna element, and having a plurality of connection points for signals for multiple operator users, and further comprising: respective separately controllable amplitude control circuitry elements connected to each of the connection points, and a junction element connected to each of the respective amplitude control circuitry elements and connected to said antenna element, such that the antenna system beam pattern can be controlled independently for the multiple operator users.

Abstract: A user terminal (100, 200, 300, 400), a UE, for a wireless communications system. The UE comprises an antenna unit (130) and a receiver unit (125) for receiving signals on a radio channel within the system. The UE also comprises a sensor (115) for sensing the position of the UE and for generating an output signal indicative of said position. The UE further comprises an evaluation unit (120) which is arranged to measure the UE's communication performance over the channel and to also receive the output signal from the sensor and to generate a first control signal (S1) which indicates if altering the position of at least part of the UE, and thereby the position of the UE's antenna unit (130), will result in an increased communication performance over the channel for the UE.

Abstract: A location based system is disclosed. One or more phased array modules are configured to scan to determine a signal strength indicator of a signal broadcasted from at least one wireless mobile device within a distance area. Based on a signal strength indicator measured at multiple angular directions by the one or more phased array modules from the at least one wireless mobile device, a location of each wireless mobile device is determined within a room, building, or outside location.

Abstract: An antenna arrangement comprises a first antenna array comprising a systematic arrangement of first antennas, at least two second antenna arrays, arranged adjacent to said first antenna array and each comprising a systematic arrangement of second antennas, at least two third antenna arrays each comprising at least one third antenna, wherein a third antenna array is arranged at a border area of said first antenna array and a second antenna array and replaces a first antenna closest to the adjacent second antenna array and a second antenna closest to the adjacent first antenna array. Said first or second antennas are transmitting and the other of said first or second antennas are receiving radiation. The at least one third antenna is transmitting and/or receiving radiation.

Abstract: Disclosed are integration approaches for mm-wave array type architectures using multilayer substrate technologies. For instance, an apparatus may include a first substrate layer, a second substrate layer, and a third substrate layer. The first substrate layer has a first plurality of array elements, and the second substrate layer has a second plurality of array elements. The third substrate layer has an integrated circuit to exchange one or more radio frequency (RF) signals with the first and second pluralities of array elements. The first and second substrate layers are separated by approximately a half wavelength (?/2) corresponding to the one or more RF signals.

Abstract: A reconfigurable millimeter wave multibeam antenna array is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a first millimeter (MM) wave antenna, a second MM wave antenna, and a hybrid coupler coupled to the first and second MM wave antennas, the hybrid coupler configured to receive a MM wave transmit signal and a phase shifted version of the MM wave transmit signal, and to direct power to the first and second MM wave antennas based on a phase difference between the MM wave transmit signal and the phase shifted version of the MM wave transmit signal.

Abstract: In a method for beamforming in communication a system, a plurality of different antenna weight vectors are generated. Each of the plurality of antenna weight vectors is a respective base vector of a unitary matrix. At least one training signal is transmitted a plurality of times via a plurality of antennas. A respective antenna weight vector from the plurality of different antenna weight vectors is applied each time the at least one training signal is transmitted. Feedback signals are received, where the feedback signals correspond to the at least one training signal transmitted the plurality of times and received at a receiver. A transmitter antenna weight vector is generated based on a mathematical combination of at least (i) the at least one training signal and (ii) the feedback signals.

Abstract: A method (40) of antenna array dynamic configuration for 3-Dimension beamforming in wireless network is provided, comprising: determining (41) dynamically a mapping pattern for transforming a physical antenna array into a virtual antenna array based on time-varying downlink or uplink baseband channel statistics, from a set of candidate mapping patterns; and configuring (42) the physical antenna array as different virtual antenna arrays according to the dynamically determined mapping pattern. The corresponding apparatus, antenna array and wireless base station system are also provided. These are used to improve radio transmission bandwidth communication efficiency.

Abstract: A phased array transmitter includes a plurality of vector modulators, an in-phase/quadrature (I/Q) signal generator, and a multiphase generator. The output phases of the plurality of vector modulators, and hence the direction of transmission of the phased array transmitter, are set and controlled by adjusting both the magnitude ratios of I/Q signal pairs generated by the I/Q signal generator and applied to I and Q inputs of the plurality of vector modulators and phases of a plurality of local oscillator (LO) signal phases generated by the multiphase generator and applied to LO inputs of the plurality of vector modulators.

Abstract: In the field of active phase-control antennas, a method is provided for calibrating the phase centre of an active antenna comprising a plurality of sub-elements able to receive a useful signal emitted by a satellite, said calibration being defined as a function of the reception characteristics of a reference signal at the level of each sub-element, said reference signal being emitted by the same satellite on a frequency band substantially equal to the frequency band of the useful signal and whose theoretical reception characteristics are known.

Abstract: A method for communicating signals in an ultra high bandwidth system that compensates for carrier frequency offset is provided. A baseband transmit signal having a plurality of data bits is generated. The baseband transmit signal is upconverted to a radio frequency (RF) transmit signal using a first local oscillator signal having a first carrier frequency. An offset cancellation for the offset between the first carrier frequency and a second carrier frequency for a second local oscillator signal that is used to downconvert an RF receive signal is calculated. The offset cancellation is applied to a plurality of phase rotators, and the RF transmit signal is transmitted over a phased array.

Abstract: Provided is an antenna apparatus which employs a small number of antenna devices and is intended to obtain a desired pattern without adjusting current level and phase of each antenna device. The antenna apparatus includes a first ridge horn antenna, and a second ridge horn antenna spaced apart from the first ridge horn antenna by a predetermined distance. Here, a multi-beam pattern is generated using a third-order mode beam pattern of a synthetic beam obtained by synthesizing beams respectively radiated from the first and second ridge horn antennas. Accordingly, the antenna apparatus can be simplified, and a desired multi-beam pattern can be obtained without adjusting signal level and phase of each antenna device. Also, by employing the ridge horn antennas as array devices, the antenna apparatus can be used in a wide frequency band.

Abstract: A random jitter beamforming method for reducing the influence of a side lobe to decrease a beam width, and a transmitter and a receiver using the same are provided. The random jitter beamforming method includes dividing a series of binary sequences to generate a plurality of bit groups, designating a beam pattern, corresponding to each of the bit groups, from a set of two or more beam patterns having the same gain and phase in a target direction, and forming a beam with the corresponding beam pattern, for each of the bit groups.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates a method for performing hybrid beamforming in a wireless communication device or any device that uses signal phase shifting for transmission and/or reception. The method comprises performing phase shifting in at least two different domains (or paths), each characterized by an operational frequency, in the communication device. More in particular, the disclosure relates in a first aspect to a method for performing at a receiver beamforming on a beam of incoming signals received via plurality of antenna paths. In another aspect, the present disclosure relates a method for performing hybrid beamforming at a transmitter device, wherein also phase shifting in at least two different domains is performed. More in particular, the disclosure also relates to a method for performing at a transmitter device beamforming on a beam of outgoing signals via a plurality of antenna paths.

Abstract: A system for configuring antenna systems for selecting directional communication signals corresponding to other apparatuses. A directional communication signal may be selected as the result of a beamforming training operation coordinated between an initiating apparatus and a responder apparatus. Particular modes and/or features may be requested by initiating apparatuses that, for example, may be functionally-limited. The responder may take these requested modes and/or features into account when formulating a beamforming training set for transmission to the initiator.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include a method for obtaining a calibration parameter for an antenna array. The antenna array comprises a first and a second radio module with respective associated antennas, wherein both radio modules comprise a main transmitter and a connected calibration receiver or both radio modules comprise a main receiver and a connected calibration transmitter. The method comprises: injecting a first calibration signal in the first radio module and measuring a first response to the first calibration in the first radio module. This injecting and measuring is repeated for all combinations of the first and second radio modules. Finally, a numerical value is calculated using the responses; a calibration parameter is calculated based on the calculated numerical value. Embodiments herein also include a corresponding antenna array, computer program and computer program product.

Abstract: A method and system for beamforming communication in high throughput wireless communications. Analog beamforming involves constructing analog beamforming coefficients for beamforming communication on a wireless channel. Constructing analog beamforming coefficients includes selecting a signal tap from a multi-tap wireless channel for beamforming communication, wherein the selected signal tap has a higher signal quality relative to other signals taps, and determining beamforming coefficients for the selected tap by iterative acquisition of the coefficients based on power iteration.

Abstract: Mobile device, method and computer program product for processing signals at the mobile device. The signals are received at a plurality of signal sensors of the mobile device. Motion of the mobile device is sensed and the received signals are processed using beamforming means at the mobile device, in dependence upon their direction of arrival at the plurality of signal sensors and in dependence upon the sensed motion of the mobile device.

Abstract: Techniques are provided herein to generate beamforming weight vectors for transmissions to be made from a first wireless communication device, e.g., a base station, to a second wireless communication device, e.g., a client device. The first device has a plurality of antennas and receives uplink transmissions from the second device, each uplink transmission comprising a group of frequency subcarriers. The first device computes channel information from the received uplink transmission and computes one or more trigonometric waveforms determined to approximate the channel information. One or more downlink beamforming weight vectors are computed at any given frequency subcarrier (thus in any frequency subband) by interpolation using the one or more trigonometric waveforms.

Abstract: A photonic true time delay system for steering one or more radio frequency beams from an electronically scanned array antenna incorporates passive optical true time delay modules for the entire array based upon dense-wavelength-division multiplexed encoding of optical time delays. In addition, electronic selection of time delays allows for elimination of optical filter tuning and optical switching, and can function in either or both transmit and receive modes of the antenna array.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling wireless communications with cell coordination is provided. A method for communications controller operation includes transmitting a reference signal, and receiving a report from at least one communication device. The communications device is served by the communications controller, and the report includes an indicator of a preferred precoding matrix. The method also includes receiving a downlink (DL) transmission intended for the communications device, scheduling a transmission opportunity for the communications device, and transmitting the DL transmission to the communications device. The scheduling is based on the received report, and the received transmission is transmitted at an occurrence of the transmission opportunity.

Abstract: A mobile station (101) for use in a wireless communication system includes a steerable antenna, means for obtaining location information relating to a current location of the mobile station and a steering controller for controlling a pointing direction of the steerable antenna using the location information and characterized in that the mobile station includes a memory holding a database of optimal pointing directions of the steerable antenna for given locations and the steering controller is operable to steer the antenna to the optimal pointing direction indicated in the database for the current location. Also described is a system and a method in which the mobile station operates.

Abstract: A transmitter or receiver may use beamforming methods for transmitting or receiving a signal in a communication system. The method for transmitting includes determining a first beamforming weight associated with a total number of antennas in an antenna array. The method also includes transmitting a first signal in a first beam having a first beam width using the total number of antennas by applying the first predetermined beamforming weight. The method further includes determining a second beamforming weight associated with a first sub-array of antennas in the antenna array and determining a third beamforming weight associated with a second sub-array of antennas in the antenna array. The method still further includes transmitting a second signal in a second beam having a second beam width using the first sub-array of antennas by applying the second beamforming weight and the second sub-array of antennas by applying the third beamforming weight.

Abstract: A multi-beam-shaping structure is distinguished by the following features: the multi-beam-shaping structure is provided with at least one electronic communication interface for controlling the multi-beam-shaping structure for setting the at least two radiation diagrams differently, the multi-beam-shaping structure comprises at least one driver, preferably comprising an electric motor, and preferably a power unit, the multi-beam-shaping structure comprises at least two first mechanical interfaces and/or coupling points, a drive connection engages on each of the at least two first mechanical interfaces and/or coupling points, the at least one driver of the multi-beam-shaping structure is connected to the at least two mechanical interfaces and/or coupling points via a multidrive, it being possible to actuate selectively at least one of the plurality of drive connections in each case via the at least one driver and the associated controller, and the number of interfaces and/or coupling points being greater than t

Abstract: A bank of order statistic filters applied to a set of antenna or transducer beams are used to detect and determine the line-of-bearing to the source of transient RF (or other, e.g., acoustic) signals. By applying order statistic filters to signals received by a set of antenna or transducer beams, this system sets a detection threshold that is unaffected by transient signals, thereby allowing the detection of these transient signals. Knowing which antenna beam the transient signals are located within allows the determination of a line of bearing to the source of the transient signals.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to two-dimensional antenna arrays. In one embodiment, an antenna array includes single-ended fed patch antennas and differentially fed patches. Field polarization of the radiated and/or received EM waves is different by 90 degrees for each different antenna type. Thus, an aligned polarization pattern can be achieved using orthogonal feeding direction for single-ended and differential patches. Embodiments can be used in radar or virtually any other 2D array antenna system.

Abstract: To retain a beam direction of beamforming in a wireless communication system, an apparatus for the beamforming includes a detector for measuring change of at least one of a movement and a motion of the apparatus; and a processor for determining a beam control parameter for aligning a beam direction with a counterpart apparatus by compensating for the change of the beam direction according to at least one of the movement and the motion.

Abstract: A front end circuit for selectively coupling a first antenna and a second antenna to a transmit chain and a receive chain of a radio frequency (RF) transceiver is disclosed. There is a first power amplifier having an input connectible to the transmit chain of the RF transceiver, a first low noise amplifier having an output connectible to the receive chain of the RF transceiver, and a second low noise amplifier with an input connectible to the second antenna, as well as an output connectible to the receive chain of the RF transceiver. A first matching and switch network is connected to the first antenna, the output of the first power amplifier, and the input of the first low noise amplifier. Transmit signals from the first power amplifier and receive signals from the first antenna are selectively passed to the first antenna and the first low noise amplifier.

Abstract: A method of verifying programmable antenna configurations is disclosed. The method comprises selecting a desired antenna configuration from a plurality of antenna configuration patterns, with the selected antenna configuration forming at least one reconfigurable antenna from reconfigurable antenna array elements. The method validates the formation of the selected antenna configuration to determine antenna performance of the at least one reconfigurable antenna.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for aligning a phased array antenna, and a phased array antenna are provided. A method for aligning a phased array antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: receiving signals from respective antenna array subunits; performing phase shifting on the signals from the respective antenna array subunits, combining phase-shifted signals, where the signals are from the respective antenna array subunits, and obtaining a first signal, where a receiving beam corresponding to the first signal is a rotating receiving beam; rotating, by the rotating receiving beam, around a transmitting/receiving beam according to a preset angular frequency by using the transmitting/receiving beam as a rotation axis; calculating power values of respective first signals in a case that the rotating receiving beam rotates through different angles; and adjusting, according to the power values, a direction of the transmitting/receiving beam to align a phased array antenna.

Abstract: A directive electrically small antenna (DESA) process and method employs multipole synthesis to implement directive electrically small multipole antennas with ultra-wideband (UWB) stable antenna patterns. Although lossy, embodiments have adequate efficiency to work as receive antennas in the high ambient noise environment of the HF band and below. Employing a process dubbed “antenna regeneration,” energy may be circulated within an antenna by means other than resonance. This enables multiple decade UWB response without the efficiency penalties inherent to traditional resistively-loaded antenna systems. Regenerative antennas can simultaneously achieve the performance of high Q resonant antennas and the bandwidth of resistively loaded antennas.

Abstract: A radar system is disclosed for forming a scanning receive beam from signals received by a phased array having a plurality of sub arrays. An exemplary radar system includes a plurality of phase units each configured to receive a signal from one or more sub arrays. Each phase unit includes a waveform generator configured to generate an analog waveform having a frequency corresponding to a time-varying phase shift. Each waveform generator is arranged to digitally generate the analog waveform, and output a comparison of the received signal with the waveform, incorporating the time-varying phase shift. The system further includes a combining unit configured to combine the outputs from the plurality of phase units to form a scanning receive beam.

Abstract: A beamformer is arranged to receive an input from a first antenna element and from at least one other antenna element and to generate at least a first and second output beam. The first and second output beams are combined at a connecting port such that signals received at the first antenna element are constructively combined at the connecting port and signals received at another antenna element or elements are destructively combined at the connecting port, so that a receiver connected to the connecting port may receive signals from the first antenna element and may not receive signals from the other antenna element or elements. The arrangement may also be used to transmit a signal which is fed into the connecting point from the first antenna element and not from the other antenna element or elements.

Abstract: According one embodiment, a millimeter-wave radiation imaging array includes a plurality of antenna elements configured to receive millimeter-wave radiative input. Each lenslet of a plurality of lenslets are coupled to one of the plurality of antenna elements such that no air exists between each lenslet and the one of the plurality of antenna elements. Each lenslet has a spherical portion being operable to direct the radiative input towards the one of the plurality of antenna elements. An energy detector is coupled to the plurality of antenna elements opposite the plurality of lenslets and operable to measure the radiative input received by the plurality of antenna elements.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for beamforming includes a detector for measuring at least one change of movement and rotation of an apparatus; and a calculator for determining a beamforming parameter for aligning a beam direction with another apparatus by compensating for the change of the beam direction according to at least one of the movement and the rotation.

Abstract: A phased array antenna is disclosed where the transmit/receive modules are replaced by a series of separately packaged components. The components include, for example, a vector control component, a high power amplifier component, a low noise amplifier component, a transmit/receive duplexing component and ancillary supporting components. An advantage of this arrangement is that cheaper antenna arrays can be constructed without limiting the capability and/or performance of a system incorporating such an array when compared to known solutions.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus for determining the position of a radio-frequency transponder is provided, comprising a phased array of antennas enabled to transmit and receive power at a given frequency for communicating with a radio frequency (RF) transponder, the phased array being movable; and a phase shifter for providing a phase shift to at least one antenna of the phased array to provide a minima in a main radiated lobe of the phased array, such that when the phased array is moved from a first position, for detecting the RF transponder via the main radiated lobe, to a second position, where a signal from the RF transponder is minimized, a position of the RF transponder determined to be along an axis of the minima in the second position.