Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a phase array radar system having a fragmented array. In one embodiment, subarrays forming a generally rectangular shape are disposed on the surface of a truncated cone or a dome so that gaps are formed between adjacent segments of subarrays or between every adjacent subarrays.

Abstract: An element of a phased array antenna is provided. The element comprises a phase tracking circuit configured to multiply the in-phase component (In) of a local output signal by the quadrature phase component (Qout) of an external output signal to generate a phase control signal (535) and/or to multiply the quadrature component (Qn) of a local output signal by the in-phase component (Iout) of an external output signal to generate a phase control signal (535).

Abstract: A system and method for distributing the power of an electromagnetic signal is presented. In one embodiment, a power distribution cavity includes, a planar cavity, input ports and output ports. The planar cavity is formed with a metallic sheet in the shape of a star pattern with a plurality of elongated star arms extending from a round center portion of the metallic sheet. The input ports are attached to the round center portion of the metallic sheet for receiving an input signal. The signals entering the cavity from the input ports creating independent resonant modes within the cavity that combine producing a tapered aperture distribution of signals at the output ports. The output ports are attached near to the outward ends of the elongated star arms. The planar cavity is thus configured to propagate electromagnetic fields at the output ports that were excited within the cavity by the input ports.

Abstract: An antenna architecture for hemispherically-scanning active electronically scanned arrays (AESA). The antenna architecture utilizes variable diameter disks of antenna elements configured in a conical implementation. The antenna elements are oriented such that the element boresight is normal to the surface of the conical structure. Beamforming takes place on each disk first, and them separately in combining the signals from each disk, thereby reducing complexity. The antenna optionally utilizes disks of antenna elements of the same diameter to form a cylindrical antenna, which when combined with a conical configuration create enhanced sectors while maintaining a hemispherical coverage capability. Further, use of two conical configurations can produce a fully spherical coverage capability.

Abstract: Example embodiments presented herein are directed towards an eNodeB (401), and method therein, for establishing beamforming for downlink communications in a multiple antenna system. The eNodeB may be configured to receive, from a user equipment, a plurality of signal quality assessments which correspond to a distinct direction within at least one correlated domain (e.g., an elevation and/or azimuth domain). Based on the signal quality assessments, at least one first and second signal quality assessment may be identified according to a predetermined signal characteristic. Thereafter, a transmission direction may be determined based on the at least one first and second signal quality assessment and associated directions within the at least one correlated domain. Based on the determined transmission direction, downlink communications may be transmitted to the user equipment.

Abstract: An electronic control module assembly includes antenna elements and a PCB. Each antenna element communicates an RF signal in a direction that corresponds with an outer face of a housing of the assembly. The PCB is received in a cavity of the housing and has RF-energy-transfer circuits and a baseband RF device, which demodulates the signal. Each RF-energy-transfer circuit receives the signal. At least two RF-energy-transfer circuits receive the signal from the antenna elements, and at least one RF-energy-transfer circuit does not receive the signal from one of the antenna elements and is a placeholder circuit. The baseband RF device is in communication with at least two of the RF-energy-transfer circuits receiving the signal. A connector provides a connection between each of the antenna elements and the PCB and is received by an aperture of the housing.

Abstract: An intelligent backhaul system is disclosed for deployment in the presence of existing radio systems. A backhaul system for co-channel deployment with existing licensed and unlicensed wireless networks, including conventional cellular backhaul radios, Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service, Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service and other FCC 47 C.F.R. §101 licensed microwave networks is disclosed. Processing and network elements to manage and control the deployment and management of backhaul of radios that connect remote edge access networks to core networks in a geographic zone which co-exist with such existing systems or other sources of interference within a radio environment are also disclosed.

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: An antenna array is formed by a network of transceivers that includes unit radios and a command radio. The command radio configures the antenna array and communicates with the unit radios to send and receive signals. The unit radios may form an antenna array with greater than half-wavelength spacing and the command radio receives signals from another radio through a unit radio receiving a best signal or from combined signals from several unit radios received from the other radio. The unit radios may form an antenna array having half wavelength or less spacing that forms a digital beam forming antenna with an antenna grid to which the unit radios are connected.

Abstract: A flat panel active electronically scanned array (AESA) (1) includes heterogeneous integrated circuit DC-DC voltage converters (3) periodically placed on array elements (2). A heterogeneous integrated circuit (100, 400, 500, 600) includes a voltage converter (101) configured to receive an input voltage (VI), and to convert the input voltage to an output voltage (VO) that is different from the input voltage, the voltage converter (101) comprising an analog and/or digital PWM circuit (104). The heterogeneous integrated circuit (100, 400, 500, 600) also includes a feedback circuit (103) configured to receive the output voltage (VO), and to generate a control signal used to vary a pulse width of a PWM signal generated by the analog and/or digital PWM circuit (104). The digital PWM circuit (104) is implemented in a heterogeneous integrated circuit (100, 400, 500, 600) fabricated on a common substrate (606) using CMOS and GaN fabrication processes.

Abstract: An electronically scanned array (ESA) system comprises a first ESA assembly including a first antenna system coupled to a first plurality of transmit/receive modules and a second ESA assembly including a second antenna system coupled to a second plurality of transmit/receive modules. The ESA system also includes a manifold system coupled to the first and second ESA assemblies. The manifold system including an RF signal processing system for processing signals received from the first and second ESA assemblies.

Abstract: In one aspect, an active electronically scanned array (AESA) card includes a printed wiring board (PWB) that includes a first set of metal layers used to provide RF signal distribution, a second set of metal layers used to provide digital logical distribution, a third set of metal layers used to provide power distribution and a fourth set of metal layers used to provide RF signal distribution. The PWB comprises at least one transmit/receive (T/R) channel used in an AESA.

Abstract: A femto cell base station and a method are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: a) monitoring data transmission antenna weights used during wireless data transmissions over a femto cell data channel between a femto cell base station and user equipment; b) deriving broadcast channel antenna weights from the data transmission antenna weights; and c) forming the femto cell broadcast channel beam using the broadcast channel antenna weights. The femto cell broadcast channel beam is adapted to minimize interference. The femto cell broadcast channel beam may then be formed using those broadcast channel antenna weights in order to direct and restrict the size of the broadcast channel beam and reduce the likely interference caused by the femto cell to other femto cells and to a macro cell.

Abstract: An antenna device includes subarray antennas including antenna elements, feeding lines and feeding interfaces. At least one of the feeding lines includes a phase shifter which shifts phases of the signals feeding to corresponding antenna elements. The feeding lines feed signals to the antenna elements. Each feeding interface is connected to each of subarray antennas. The subarray antennas are arranged parallel to each other with an interval on a plane to be symmetrical about a central axis. The interval is less or equal than a free-space wavelength. The central axis is along with the center of two adjacent subarray antennas arranged at middle of the subarray antennas when the number of the subarray antennas is even. Moreover, the central axis is along with one subarray antenna arranged at the middle of the subarray antennas when the number of the subarray antennas is odd.

Abstract: A true time delay beamforming system and calibration method for transmission and reception of a beam is disclosed. The true time delay beamforming system comprises at least one input signal received by at least one signal conditioning device, wherein the signal conditioning device is adapted to provide selective, independent, and variable control of one of a phase delay, a time delay and an amplitude of the input signal to produce an output signal. A control logic device is adapted to provide a control logic signal to the at least one signal conditioning device for selectively activating and controlling the signal conditioning device. The true time delay beamforming system may further include an automatic calibration system that generates an error correction signal based on errors detected in the output signal, and selectively adjusts the control logic signal based thereon.

Abstract: A method for ground to air communication includes receiving a first pilot signal on a first wide beam from a first ground base station by a first antenna element covering a first range of azimuth angles from an aircraft. Data is received on a directed data beam from the first ground base station by the first antenna element. A second pilot signal is received on a second wide beam from a second ground base station by a second antenna element covering a second range of azimuth angles different than the first range of azimuth angles. A signal strength of the second pilot signal is compared with a signal strength of the first pilot signal. Data reception is switched from the first antenna element to the second antenna element if the signal strength of the second pilot signal is greater than the signal strength of the first pilot signal.

Abstract: A plurality of mini radars that make the radar system conformable to a structure that it is attached or built into. A radar system includes a clock, a plurality of frequency modulated/continuous wave (FM/CW) radar units in signal communication with the clock and a processor in signal communication with the plurality of FM/CW radar units. Each of the plurality of FM/CW radar units includes a row of antenna elements.

Abstract: Antenna beam angles of one or more directional antennas of a wireless device are updated to communicate with a plurality of other wireless devices. Each one of the antenna beam angles is associated with one of the plurality of other wireless devices. At least one angle correction is determined to update the antenna beam angle associated with at least one first wireless device among the plurality of other wireless devices. The antenna beam angle associated with at least one second wireless device is first updated using the determined at least one angle correction of the antenna beam angle associated with the first wireless device.

Abstract: An antenna device includes an antenna substrate and a feed line substrate. The antenna substrate includes subarray antennas, feeding interfaces and a back surface. The subarray antennas are arranged parallel with an interval on a plane. Each subarray antenna includes antenna elements and first feed lines. The first feed lines feed signals from the feeding interface on back surface to the antenna elements. The feed line substrate is attached along back surface and includes second feed lines, first and second mode transformers. Each second feed line has one and other ends portions. Other end portion has wider width than one end portion. Each first mode transformer is located in one end portion and connected to the feeding interface. Each second mode transformer is located in other end portion. One end portions are arranged in a line with interval, and other end portions are alternately arranged across one end portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dynamic radiation pattern antenna system comprising a plurality of antenna units, a control unit and an electronic interface. The plurality of antenna units has electronically controllable radiation patterns. The control unit is dynamically controlling the radiation pattern of the plurality of antenna units and the electronic interface connects the plurality of antenna units to the control unit.

Abstract: Optically reconfigurable radio frequency antennas for use in aircraft systems and methods of its use are disclosed. In one embodiment, the antenna includes a surface-conformal reflector that includes optically addressable carbon nanotubes. The nanotubes can be combined with light-sensitive materials so that exposure to light of the correct wavelength will switch the nanotubes back and forth between a metallic and non-metallic state. The antenna has a transmitter that radiates a radio frequency signal in the direction of the surface illuminator and an addressable optical conductor to illuminate the nanotubes with one or more optical signals. When the domains are illuminated they switch portions of the carbon nanotubes between its non-metallic states and metallic states to reflect the radiated radio frequency signal.

Abstract: An apparatus that adaptively allocates transmission power for beam-forming combined with orthogonal space time block codes in a distributed wireless communication system, the apparatus including: sub-arrays for beam-forming, which are geographically distributed and each of which includes a plurality of distributed antennas placed in random groups. A central processing unit provides predetermined combinable power allocation schemes according to subsets in a plurality of the sub-arrays, identifying performances of the schemes by using information on large-scale fading of each of the sub-arrays fed back from a receiving party, setting a subset having best performance as an optimal subset according to the identified performances, and performing power allocation according thereto.

Abstract: A system and method for providing coherent sources for phased arrays are provided. One method includes providing a plurality of transceivers configured to transmit signals and defining an array of nodes. The method also includes providing a plurality of beacons at different frequencies to one of aim or focus phase coherent energy generated by the transmitted signals from the plurality of transceivers, wherein the phase coherent energy is transmitted at a direction and a frequency determined with phase conjugation and independent of the location of the plurality of beacons.

Abstract: A mote network having and/or using one or more directional antennas.

Abstract: An array antenna apparatus includes a transmission-array-antenna including transmission-antenna-elements, a transmission-side directivity control unit controlling a directivity of the transmission-array-antenna by controlling phases of at least part of the transmission-antenna-elements, a reception-array-antenna including reception-antenna-elements, and a reception-side directivity control unit controlling a directivity of the reception-array-antenna by controlling phases of the reception-antenna-elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for adaptively allocating transmission power for beamforming combined with orthogonal space-time block codes (OSTBC) in a distributed wireless communication system, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of sub-arrays for beamforming, which are geographically distributed and each of which comprises a plurality of distributed antennas placed in random groups; and a central processing unit for identifying performances of subsets by applying a predetermined power allocation scheme according to subsets which can be obtained by combining the sub-arrays, by means of a Nakagami fading parameter and information about large-scale fading of each of the sub-arrays, fed back from a receiving party, for determining a subset having a best performance as an optimal subset according to the identified performances, and for performing power allocation based on the subset set as the optimal subset.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device is disclosed that includes: a first substrate, a plurality of antennas adjacent the first substrate; a plurality of oscillators integrated in the first substrate, each oscillator providing an output signal to drive a corresponding subset of the antennas; and a plurality of photodetectors corresponding to plurality of oscillators, each oscillator being adapted to injection lock its output signal to an electronic photodetector signal from the photodetector produced in response to an illumination of the photodetectors with a free-space optical signal modulated such that the photodetector signals are globally synchronized with each other, whereby the output signals driving the plurality antennas are also globally synchronized across the plurality of antennas.

Abstract: Improved microwave imaging using a reflector. By providing a reflective surface in the range of the imaging system, additional information is available for imaging objects. The relative surface provides silhouette information on the object, and increases the effective thickness of the object to aid analysis.

Abstract: The invention comprises a feed horn (10) illuminating a circular flat panel (12) formed from a high impedance surface structure. By controlling the resonant frequencies of the individual elements of the array, a controlled phase shift profile is applied across the surface of the panel to an incident phase front spherically spreading from the feed antenna so as to reflect that wavefront in a particular direction or impose a certain desired beam shape. The principles are reciprocal so a receiving system can also be achieved or indeed a simultaneous transmit and receive operation can be supported. The phase controlled reflecting plate advantageously performs focussing to the feed and beam scanning or beam shaping. This concept of feed to a phased reflector plate allows the power distribution to be implemented in free space.

Abstract: A radar system comprises a first transmit/receive module for a first frequency band and a first polarization, a second transmit/receive module for the first frequency band and a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization, a third transmit/receive module for a second frequency band and the first polarization, a fourth transmit/receive module for the second frequency band and the second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization, a first plurality of splitter/combiners to receive outputs from the first and second transmit/receive modules, a second plurality of splitter/combiners to receive outputs from the third and fourth transmit/receive modules, a plurality of lens phase shifter pairs to receive outputs from the first plurality of splitter/combiners, a plurality of diplexers to receive signals from the plurality of lens phase shifter pairs and from the second plurality of splitter/combiners, and, a radiator assembly including a series of radiator elements coupled to the plurality of dipl

Abstract: A mote network having and/or using one or more directional antennas.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an electrically steered array including a phased array aperture having a plurality of elements at a selected spacing, the aperture to provide up to four simultaneous, independent beam sets, wherein the elements are controlled by a single complex weight.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed which provide aggressively sculpted or shaped antenna beams, such as sector antenna beams, for use in communication networks. Preferred embodiments use passive antenna feed networks, preferably configured as personality modules, which are adapted for corresponding topological and morphological features. Preferred embodiment feed networks may be coupled to linear or curvilinear antenna arrays to provide antenna beams having a desired contour. Using the disclosed systems and methods path loss variance is minimized for improved system capacity and/or signal quality. Moreover, the disclosed systems and methods provide for reduced average transmission power levels further allowing increased capacity and/or signal quality.

Abstract: To provide a radar device that is capable of performing both of long-distance detection performance and short-distance wide-angle monitor in a DBF system radar, there is provided a radar device of a digital beam forming system that radiates waves toward a space, receives a reflected wave that is reflected by an object which exists within the space, and subjects the received reflected wave to signal processing to thereby measure the object, the radar device including a transmitting antenna that radiates waves toward an observation range where required maximum distances different in respective azimuths are assumed, and has a directivity characteristic in which the transmitting gains in the respective azimuths are set on the basis of the distance attenuation characteristic at the required maximum distances.

Abstract: A system for transmitting radio frequency includes antenna elements configured to transmit radio frequency beams including a horizontal beam widths and vertical beam widths. The antenna elements are positioned to transmit radio frequency in directions to cover areas independent of each other. The system includes a port operatively coupled to the antenna elements to transmit power to the antenna elements to cause the antenna elements to transmit radio frequency in the respective directions. The antenna elements and the port form a distributed antenna system.

Abstract: A polygonal cylindrically shaped phased array antenna forming a radar has an active aperture that focuses in any of one or more angular azimuth directions without inertia. It further includes adjacent multiple similar polygonal staves joined along their vertical edges to form a right regular polygonal cylinder. Each stave is further decomposed into flat panels, wherein each panel has a plurality of antenna elements positioned in a regular rectangular or triangular lattice. Each panel contains a beam forming network that electronically forms and steers an electromagnetic beam for purposes of transmission and subsequent reception. The panels optionally may operate as autonomous radars which when coherently combined form multiple larger antenna apertures, each capable of operating autonomously. A switching network allows transmit power and all requisite radar and control signals to be sent to and received from a selected set of panels anywhere on the polygonal cylinder.

Abstract: An antenna control system for setting the tilt angle of a main lobe of an antenna, in particular of an antenna constituting part of a base station in a mobile cellular communication system, said antenna comprising a plurality of antenna elements and phase shifting means for varying the phase of at least one signal being fed to said antenna elements, wherein adjustment of said phase of said signal is achieved by actuating an operating element, and wherein actuation of said operating element is achieved by operating an operating element actuator. The operating element actuator is coupled to the operating element of the phase shifting means by means of a force field coupling.

Abstract: A base station signal is applied to antenna elements. One signal from a first element is electrically modified and evaluated in conjunction with a second, unmodified signal from a second element. The modified signal is further modified and again evaluated with the unmodified signal. The results of the two evaluations are compared to determine a relative phase and/or amplitude at the respective elements.

Abstract: Embodiments include phased array antenna apparatus and methods of manufacturing them. In an embodiment, a phased array antenna apparatus includes at least one printed wiring board (PWB) (1002, FIG. 10) having multiple layers, at least one beamformer module (1014) with at least one beam combiner/divider, at least one amplifier (1016), and at least one integral radiating element (1006). The PWB includes RF manifolds (912, 916, FIG. 9) embedded within the multiple layers between corresponding ports (910, 914) of the beam combiners/dividers. The at least one integral radiating element is located proximate to an edge of the PWB and oriented in parallel with a bore-sight of the phased array antenna apparatus. In an embodiment, the beam combiners/dividers may include an H form combiner (704, FIG. 7). An opening (1026, FIG. 10) in the PWB is adapted to enable the amplifier to directly contact a heat sink (1004), in an embodiment.

Abstract: A multi-channel, dual-band, radio frequency (RF) transmit/receive (T/R) module, for an active electronically scanned array, is provided. The module includes a compact, RF manifold connector and at least four T/R channels. Each of the T/R channels includes a notch radiator, a diplexer coupled to the notch radiator, a power amplifier, including at least one dual-band gain stage, coupled to the notch radiator, a low noise amplifier, including at least one lower-band gain stage and at least one upper-band gain stage, coupled to the diplexer, and a T/R cell, including a phase shifter, a signal attenuator and at least one dual-band gain stage, coupled to the power amplifier, the low noise amplifier and the manifold connector.

Abstract: Digital beamforming is provided for use with electronically scanned radar. In an aspect, the present invention provides enhanced sensitivity, wide angle or field of view (FOV) coverage with narrow beams, minimized number of receivers, reduced sidelobes, eliminated grating lobes and beam compensation for target motion. In an aspect, the present invention employs a uniform overlapped subarray feed network, a time multiplexed switch matrix, and a restructured digital signal processor. Antenna channels share a receiver, rather than maintain a dedicated receiver for each antenna element, as in conventional systems. In an aspect, Doppler/frequency filtering is performed on each antenna element or subarray output prior to digital beamforming. Further, Doppler compensation is employed following Doppler/frequency filtering, followed by digital beamforming.

Abstract: A high speed obliquely disposed EM “Electromagnetic Wave” based image plotter consisting of one or more narrow beam EM radiators conveying trigonometrically derived location coordinates to one or more cooperative EM pixel decoding tags, transponders or like circuitry. The cooperative transponder detects and decodes the EM pixels and reconciles its own location from resident memory stored navigation map that is changeable by the EM plotter. The EM plotter is obliquely oriented in relation to the operative navigation space it covers as to establish a three point trigonometric relationship between the plotter's fixed elevation to its cooperative transponder's X axis distance from the plotter as determined by the elevation angle of the plotter's beacon at the time of measurement. The EM Plotter projects one or more beacons in the form of a continuous non-overlapping and repeating Archimedean or arithmetic spiral or other predetermined pattern containing EM navigation location pixels.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an integrated circuit antenna array is provided that includes: a low-voltage substrate; a high-voltage substrate; a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) integrated with the low-voltage substrate, the DAC being operable to receive a digital command and convert it into an analog voltage; a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) integrated with the low-voltage substrate, the VCO providing an RF signal having an output frequency responsive to the analog voltage; a plurality of switching power amplifiers integrated with the high-voltage substrate, each switching power amplifier receiving an RF signal from the low-voltage substrate and providing an amplified RF output signal; and a plurality of antennas adjacent the high-power substrate, each antenna associating with a corresponding one of the switching power amplifier so as to transmit the amplified RF output signal from the corresponding switching power amplifier.

Abstract: A mote network having and/or using one or more directional antennas.

Abstract: A system for differentiating between a signal from a physical source and a nonlinear signal effect includes an array, a delay control element and a signal processing element. The array is configured to detect a signal at a particular location using an initial time delay. The delay control element is configured to modify the initial time delay by a selected value and to apply a phase delay in an amount equal to the selected value and at a frequency of the signal. The signal processing element is configured to determine whether the signal corresponds to one of a physical source or a nonlinear signal effect based on whether a shift in a perceived location of the signal occurs.

Abstract: A system for differentiating between a signal from a physical source and a nonlinear signal effect includes an array, a delay control element and a signal processing element. The array is configured to detect a signal at a particular location using an initial time delay. The delay control element is configured to modify the initial time delay by a selected value and to apply a phase delay in an amount equal to the selected value and at a frequency of the signal. The signal processing element is configured to determine whether the signal corresponds to one of a physical source or a nonlinear signal effect based on whether a shift in a perceived location of the signal occurs.

Abstract: A system and method for an electronically scanned antenna is provided in which phase shifters are deposited en masse along with other electronically scanned antenna components on a wafer scale substrate using a thin film process. Alternative wafer scale sizes may be utilized to furnish a required antenna aperture area. Significant processing costs for radar and communication systems are saved utilizing the present invention as compared with contemporary discrete phase shifters that are individually mounted on an antenna. In an aspect, the phase shifter is made up of a base electrode, a barium strontanate titanate (BST) ferroelectric varactor and a top electrode. The BST ferroelectric material is a voltage variable dielectric, which generates a radiation phase. The radiation phase is regulated by a phase shifter control. The radiation phase generates an electromagnetic field about a radiating element and electromagnetic radio waves are radiated from the radiating element.

Abstract: A mote network having and/or using one or more directional antennas.

Abstract: A connection request signal issued from a terminal (PS2) corresponding to a new call and received by an array antenna (2) is supplied to an adaptive array (14) and a parameter estimating unit (15). The parameter estimating unit (15) lowers a send power of a terminal (PS1) corresponding to an existing call by a predetermined level when it is detected from an output of the adaptive array (14) and a signal supplied from the antenna (2) that the connection request signal is received via a C-channel.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal apparatus which performs radio communication with base stations using an adaptive array antenna which obtains an antenna output by multiplying output signals from the respective antenna elements of an array antenna by weighting factors using multipliers, and adding the resultant data using an adder estimates the arrival direction of radio waves from the base station, and starts adaptive control on the adaptive array antenna, at the time of handover from the one base station to the other base station, by using as initial values the weighting factors obtained in accordance with the arrival direction estimation result obtained prior to the handover.