Abstract: This invention provides a tunable delay of an optical signal having a carrier with an angular frequency ?0 and a single side band having a signal band with a median angular frequency ?r. The delay line comprises at least a first, a second and a third integrated resonators coupled sequentially to a waveguide. The first and the second resonators have angular resonant frequencies ?1=?r?? and ?2=?r+?? respectively, where ?? is a deviation from the median frequency. The third resonator provides a phase delay difference between the phase at the optical carrier ?0 and the phase at the median frequency (Or equal to (?r??0)Td, where Td is the time delay. The device provides an equal group delay to all frequency components in the output signal and also equal phase delay for all frequency components of an RF signal when the optical signal is downconverted at a photodetector. The device may find applications controlling the time delay to antenna elements in a phased array system.

Abstract: The present invention provides several smart antenna devices and methods. The devices and methods incorporate a programmable delay element into each RF pathway, which enables smart antennas to receive not only narrow band signals but also ultra-wide band signals at low cost and low power consumption, while in a highly reliable fashion. The devices and methods therefore enable a low complexity smart antenna receiver as part of a highly reliable, low cost and low power sensor network.

Abstract: A true time delay beamformer for RF/microwave phased array antenna systems using multiple laser sources, optical modulators to convert the electrical signal to a modulated optical signal, standard optical fiber for creating time delays, dispersive optical fiber for creating delays, optical splitting and/or switching section, photodetectors to convert the modulated optical signal to an electrical signal, and a signal combining section. The true time delay beamformer has the capability to create multiple simultaneous RF/microwave antenna beams. One (more lasers) is used to source one (or more) wavelengths of light to the optical modulator. The signal from one (or more) antenna elements drive the optical modulator. The light from the optical modulator passes through the standard optical fibers and/or the dispersive optical fibers to create time delay variation for one optical modulator relative to another allowing for the formation of RF/microwave beams.

Abstract: An electro optical scanning phased array antenna having a laser which generates a pulsed output. A microwave source has an output which amplitude modulates the optical output from the laser through an optical modulator. An optical loop circuit has an input connected to an output from the optical modulator and a variable time delay element. The optical loop circuit generates a plurality of modulated optical pulses at equidistantly spaced time intervals from each other at an output from the loop circuit. These time intervals vary as a function of the variable time delay element and a control circuit controls the time delay attributable to the variable time delay element. An antenna array includes end elements while a circuit converts the optical output pulses from the optical loop circuit to radio frequency signals electrically connected to the elements of the antenna array.

Abstract: A panel antenna having a variable phase shifter module with at least one main-PCB having an input trace coupled to a wiper junction. An arcuate trace on the main-PCB extending between a first output trace and a second output trace, the arcuate trace having an arc center proximate the wiper junction. A wiper-PCB having a linking trace thereon; the wiper-PCB rotatably coupled to the main-PCB proximate the wiper junction with the linking trace facing the first main-PCB. Because the linking trace faces the main-PCB, the wiper-PCB may be formed from inexpensive and structurally resilient substrate material. The linking trace coupling the wiper junction with the arcuate trace. Multiple arcuate traces may be linked to further output traces to add additional outputs, each having variable phase shift between them, depending upon the position of the wiper-PCB. Multiple main-PCBs may be stacked upon each other and the wiper-PCBs of each controlled by a common linkage.

Abstract: A beam-forming antenna for transmission and/or reception of an electromagnetic signal having a given wavelength in a surrounding medium includes a transmission line electromagnetically coupled to an array of individually controllable antenna elements, each of which is oscillated by the signal with a controllable amplitude. The antenna elements are arranged in a linear array and are spaced from each other by a distance that does not exceed one-third the signal's wavelength in the surrounding medium. The oscillation amplitude of each of the individual antenna elements is controlled by an amplitude controlling device, such as a switch, a gain-controlled amplifier, or a gain-controlled attenuator. The amplitude controlling devices, in turn, are controlled by a computer that receives as its input the desired beamshape, and that is programmed to operate the amplitude controlling devices in accordance with a set of stored amplitude values derived empirically for a set of desired beamshapes.

Abstract: A method for determining changes in internal delays of RF units, the RF units including a plurality of receivers and transmitters. The method includes providing initial direct signals' time of arrivals of the RF units initial internal delays of the RF units. Following this, each transmitter transmitting a direct signal, and the real-time direct signal's time of arrivals of the RF units, are measured. Then, changes in internal delays of the RF units are calculated based on the real-time direct signals' time of arrivals and initial direct signals' time of arrivals. And finally, real-time internal delays of the RF units are calculated based on the changes in internal delays and the initial internal delays of the RF units.

Abstract: A path sharing transceiver array architecture is disclosed. A plurality of channels are linked to antennas of an array for transmitting and receiving wireless signals that are offset in one of phase or time relative to one another. Each channel is associated with a delay element. In the receiving case, an offset signal is received at a first channel, processed, and shifted by a first delay element. The resulting signal is combined with the processed signal of a second, adjacent channel where a phase or time delayed signal is received. The combined signal is then shifted by a second delay element to produce a net signal. The first delay element is used to generate a shifted signal for both the first and second channel. The architecture can be extended to another number of channels.

Abstract: The present antenna system includes a phased array antenna system comprising a limiting circuit, an isolation circuit, and a phasing circuit. The limiting circuit includes a system of fast signal diodes coupled with a zener diode, which provides sharp limiting and increased limiting thresholds to received signals. In addition, the isolation circuit prevents a cable coupled to the output of the antenna unit from becoming electrically coupled with the antenna element itself. Furthermore, the phasing circuit allows the present antenna system to provide a null in a fixed direction over a wide bandwidth of signal receiving frequencies.

Abstract: An adaptive algebraic interference cancellation technique for canceling interference from a signal of interest received by an array of antenna elements involves: generating a set of antenna element signals that reflect reception of the signal of interest and interference at the respective antenna elements; adaptively determining the direction of one or more interference sources received with the signal of interest; for each interference source, constructing a directional interference vector corresponding to the direction of the interference source; computing a projection operator that transforms each directional interference vector to a zero vector; applying the projection operator to the antenna element signals to remove interference from the antenna element signals; and restoring the signal of interest by individually compensating the antenna element signals for distortion to the signal of interest cause by applying the projection operator.

Abstract: A compact, low profile electronically scanned antenna module is provided. The antenna module includes a multi-layer antenna integrated printed wiring board (AiPWB) that includes a radiator layer on a front surface. The radiator layer includes a plurality of RF radiating elements. The antenna module additionally includes a plurality of radiator electronics modules orthogonally connected to a back surface of the AiPWB. The electronics modules are interconnected with radiating elements through the AiPWB and include a plurality of beam steering electronic elements mounted to a multi layer conformable substrate. The orthogonal connections allow the antenna module to have outer dimensions that are substantially equal to the dimensions of a perimeter of the AiPWB.

Abstract: A phase shifter comprises a substrate, a ground plane formed on a first surface of the substrate, a support structure positioned on a second surface of the substrate opposite the first surface, three parallel, non-co-planar microstrip lines supported by the support structure above the second surface of the substrate, a ferrite element supported by the support structure between the second surface of the substrate and the three non-co-planar microstrip lines, and means for applying a magnetic field to the ferrite element.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for diversifying radiated electromagnetic communications in a wireless communication device having a plurality of embedded antennas. The method comprises sensing conducted electromagnetic transmission line signals communicated by the antennas, selecting between the antennas in response to sensing the transmission line signals, and modifying antenna electrical performance characteristics in response to sensing the transmission line signals. In some aspects sensing transmission line signals includes sensing transmission line signal power levels. For example, the power levels of the radiated signals conducted on the transmission lines can be sensed or the transmission line signal power levels of transmitted signals reflected by the antennas are sensed.

Abstract: A phased array antenna system includes an RF front end, a radome, and an optical calibrator embedded in the radome for enabling in-situ calibration of the RF front end. The optical calibrator employs an optical timing signal generator (OTSG), a Variable Optical Amplitude and Delay Generator array (VOADGA) for receiving the modulated optical output signal and generating a plurality of VOADGA timing signals, and an optical timing signal distributor (OTSD). The in-situ optical calibrator allows for reduced calibration time and makes it feasible to perform calibration whenever necessary.

Abstract: An electronically steerable antenna system includes a plurality of panels that are coupled together to form an N-sided polygon. Each panel includes a plurality of microstrip conductor patches forming a phased array antenna. In a first embodiment that includes beam steering, each panel can selectively transmit or receive in a direction that is either perpendicular to the panel, or to the left or right of perpendicular, depending upon relative delay line lengths applied to the left and right antennas. A second embodiment omits the beam steering capability for each panel and simply enables only one of the N different panels to be employed for transmitting or receiving a radiofrequency signal in a direction perpendicular to the panel. PIN diodes are preferably used for selecting the panel that is active, and in the first embodiment, for selecting the delay lines used.

Abstract: The invention, in its various aspects and embodiments, comprises a variety methods and apparatuses. The methods variously determine the delay (or phase shift) in each element of a phased array to simultaneously form, steer and/or combine a set of beam shapes. The apparatuses include apparatuses that implement the methods as well as apparatuses that employ such methods. The invention also includes a beam controlled by such methods.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and apparatus for implementing a true-time-delay wideband digital beamformer. In true-time-delay wideband digital beamformers of the present invention, improved control over beam properties formed by the combination of the beamformer and a multi-element antenna coupled to the beamformer is achieved through finer control of delays imparted to data signals. In beamformers of the present invention, data is delayed using a coarse control that provides a delay in whole increments of a clock cycle of a digital clock reference and a fine control that provides a delay corresponding to a fraction of a whole clock cycle of the digital clock reference. In the true time delay method of the present invention, transmission and reception across a wide frequency band is accommodated. In the true time delay method of the present invention, multiple simultaneous beams are formed independently, beam-to-beam, across a wide frequency band.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle mountable satellite antenna as defined in the claims which is operable while the vehicle is in motion. The satellite antenna of the present invention can be installed on top of (or embedded into) the roof of a vehicle. The antenna is capable of providing high gain and a narrow antenna beam for aiming at a satellite direction and enabling broadband communication to vehicle. The present invention provides a vehicle mounted satellite antenna which has low axial ratio, high efficiency and has low grating lobes gain. The vehicle mounted satellite antenna of the present invention provides two simultaneous polarization states. In one embodiment, a hybrid mechanic and electronic steering approach provides a more reasonable cost and performance trade-off. The antenna aiming in the elevation direction is achieved via control of an electronic beamforming network.

Abstract: A system for scanning an antenna array of the present invention. The system includes a first mechanism for modulating a desired signal on an optical carrier signal. The first mechanism includes a frequency-tunable optical oscillator with a phase shifter for changing an output frequency of the optical oscillator. A second mechanism employs the optical carrier signal to derive signals having predetermined phase relationships. A third mechanism receives the feed signals and radiates corresponding transmit signals in response thereto to the antenna array to steer the array. In more specific embodiment, the desired signal is a Radio Frequency (RF) signal, and the phase shifter is an electrically controlled optical RF phase shifter. The optical carrier signal includes a first optical carrier signal and a second optical carrier signal.

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 radiator includes a waveguide having an aperture and a patch antenna disposed in the aperture. In one embodiment, an antenna includes an array of waveguide antenna elements, each element having a cavity, and an array of patch antenna elements including an upper patch element and a lower patch element disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A phased array radio frequency pulse generator includes a plurality of radio frequency pulse generator units (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) each having a non-linear dispersive electrical circuit (1) incorporating at least one non-linear element (5) including a material sensitive to low power signals (7) and a means (6) for producing a variable power control signal (7) and applying it to be at least one non-linear element (5) to modify the extent of the non-linearity of the element and thereby vary the timing of the radio frequency electrical output signal generated, and means (13) for adjusting the value of the control signals (7) provided in each unit (4, 4a, 4b, 4c), to vary the relative phases of the output signals from the units (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) in a phased array on a pulse to pulse basis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for constructing phased array antenna beamforming networks are provided, that allow to scan multiple beams and select appropriate sets of delay lines simultaneously. The beamforming networks disclosed herein generate less losses than conventional ones and in some cases, do not require active switching, making them completely passive. Three main methods are comprised in the invention: (1) laser wavelength hierarchies, (2) arrangements of Wavelengths Division Multiplexing (WDM) components, (3) re-use of laser wavelengths. Multiple laser wavelengths are arranged in groups and subgroups (wavelength hierarchies) in the wavelength domain. By switching between these wavelength groupings, the arrangements of WDM components disclosed herein enable the beamforming network to direct the beam signals to the proper time delay lines, and to differentiate multiple beams.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a front-end device for a phased array system. The front-end device includes an array of horn antennas, a first set of transmission lines coupled to the horn antenna array for a first polarization, a second set of transmission lines coupled to the horn antenna array for a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization, and a plurality of L-shaped excitation elements. Each L-shaped excitation element of the plurality of L-shaped excitation elements couples a transmission line from each of the first and second sets of transmission lines to a respective horn antenna of the horn antenna array.

Abstract: To provide a multibeam antenna reception device capable of improving the reception quality while suppressing an increase in the amount of computation. The multibeam antenna reception device includes a path detection control section (108) for controlling the path detection range at the current time for M receive beam path detection sections (1061 to 106M) based on pairs of receive beam numbers and path delays detected prior to the current time and information on user signal reception quality in the pairs of the receive beam numbers and the path delays output from the M receive beam path detection sections (1061 to 106M). When path detection is performed with respect to each user in the M receive beam path detection sections (1061 to 106M), pairs of receive beam numbers and path delays and information on user signal reception quality in the pairs of the receive beam numbers and the path delays are detected according to the path detection range controlled by the path detection control section (108).

Abstract: A phase-shifting system for electrically swiveling the direction of a beam of an antenna field includes several radiators with two planes of polarization. The phase-shifting system includes two jointly changeable phase shifters with microstrip lines associated therewith. The electrical length of each phase shifter can be changed by a dielectric which is slidable above the microstrip lines. Such a phase-shifting system offers a simplified design and added functional safety by arranging the microstrip lines of both phase shifters in parallel next to each other and by providing a common slidable dielectric in order to change the electrical length of the microstrip lines of both phase shifters.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing a CDMA receiver to a transmitter when an adaptive antenna is utilized to receive transmitted data, wherein a receiving antenna system is adapted between a 360° reception angle pattern (i.e., an omni-directional pattern) and a fixed reception angle (i.e., a directional pattern) by permitting the receiver to identify a pilot signal having the largest magnitude. The receiver minimizes interference from other pilot signals by steering antenna pattern nulls toward other transmitters. As a result, the time required for the receiver to acquire a valid pilot signal is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A phase shifter device comprising a substrate defining a slot line waveguide having first and second ends and being operably coupled to a microstrip waveguide and a shorting patch is described. The microstrip waveguide and shorting patch are moveable along the slot line waveguide so as to vary the distance between the first end of the slot line and the intersection of the slot line waveguide and microstrip waveguide whilst maintaining a substantially constant separation between the microstrip waveguide and the shorting patch. A separation between the microstrip waveguide and shorting patch equal to one quarter of the effective wavelength of the radiation carried by the device is described. The device is described for use in various phased array antenna systems.

Abstract: A beam steering apparatus including an antenna array having a plurality of antenna elements. The antenna elements are spatially arranged with respect to one another and being operable to receive signals. A plurality of optical modulators, each of which is associated with a different one of the antenna elements and are operable to modulate signals received thereby onto a different respective optical carrier. A plurality of delay units for applying an amount of delay to modulated optical signals passing therethrough in respect of one or more of the antenna elements. A demultiplexer for separating the modulated optical carriers within an optical signal output by the delay units. A demodulator for demodulating the signal received by each antenna element from the respective separated modulated optical carrier. A combiner for combining the demodulated received signals output by the demodulator.

Abstract: Non-multiple delay element values that may be implemented to reduce periodic quantization errors associated with phase shifting devices used in phased array apparatus. The non-multiple delay element values may be implemented so that a magnitude of phase shift imparted by a given delay element of a phase shifting scheme is not a multiple or a factor of the magnitude of the phase shift imparted by any other delay element employed in the same phase shifting scheme.

Abstract: A substrate is provided with a multiplicity of electrically conductive elements, and the elements are interconnected to form an antenna structure for desired application. Either the antenna pattern itself may be altered according to the invention, or one or more feed points may be changed, or all of the above. As such, the electrically conductive elements may be interconnected to change the directionality of the antenna pattern, the gain, the frequency response, or other operational characteristics. The electrically conductive elements may be arranged in the form of an inchoate antenna pattern or regular array. Switches at key points of the structure enable the pattern to be changed dynamically. Such switching may be carried out in real time in accordance with transmissions/reception characteristics, or in advance using simulations associated with the switched elements.

Abstract: A constant-gain phase shifter is provided, comprising a first tank circuit with a first node to accept an input signal, a first inductor connected between the first node and a reference voltage, and a first capacitor connected in parallel with the first inductor. The first tank circuit modifies the phase and the insertion loss associated with the input signal. A variable gain circuit has as input connected to the first node, an input to accept a control signal, and an output to supply a gain-modified signal. A second tank circuit comprises a second node connected to the variable insertion loss circuit output to supply a constant-gain phase-shifted signal, a second inductor connected between the second node and the reference voltage, and a second capacitor connected in parallel with the second inductor. The second tank circuit modifies the phase and insertion loss associated with the gain-modified signal.

Abstract: An intervote modulator (10) includes a majority voting logic unit (12) and an interplex modulator (14). The majority voting logic unit receives plural signal codes (e.g., five codes x1, x2, x3, x4, x5) together with their respective target gains G1, G2, G3, G4, G5 representing the desired transmit power for the individual signal codes. The majority voting logic unit combines three of these five signal codes to form a majority vote composite signal while keeping the other two signal codes uncombined. The majority vote composite signal and the two uncombined signals are then supplied to the interplex modulator as signals s1, s2 and s3. The interplex modulator applies interplex modulation to signals s1, s2 and s3 to form the in-phase and quadrature components of the final composite signal. The majority voting logic unit employs a generalized majority vote involving an interlace of sub-majority votes determined on a chip-by-chip basis.

Abstract: A delay line is made by sandwiching a thin slice of ferroelectric between two “cladding” layers of relatively low-?, low loss material to form a dielectric slab waveguide, and may support the propagation of electromagnetic guided waves and hence be used as a source of electric-field tunable time delay. There is a frequency range within which a dielectric-slab delay line behaves like a homogeneous transmission line with an “average” dielectric constant that is much lower than that of the ferroelectric, thereby ameliorating the difficulty with the high dielectric constant of the ferroelectric material. The thin slice of ferroelectric material “expels” a large fraction of the wave electric field, causing most of it to occupy the low-loss cladding material, greatly reducing the propagation loss along the delay line while allowing delay time to be varied by applying an electric-field through the ferroelectric within the cladding structure.

Abstract: An antenna beamformer consisting of optical irises coupled to Wavelength Division Multiplexers (WDMs). The ports of the WDMs are coupled to lens ports, where each lens port corresponds to a different antenna beam. The optical irises are optical filters with selectable center frequencies and selectable passband widths. Selection of different center frequencies and passband widths enables the selection of different ports of the WDMs, which allows the selection of one or more antenna beams. The beamformer may also have controllable delay lines to provide for additional beam steering.

Abstract: An improved calibration device for an antenna array, or an improved antenna array, is of simple construction. If the total number of antenna elements which are provided for a column is N, where N is a natural number, only N/2 or less coupling devices and/or probes are provided, the number of couplers or probes which are provided are associated with only some of the antenna elements; and a combination network is also provided, via which the coupling devices and/or probes which are provided are connected.

Abstract: A hybrid circuit phase shifter assembly of RF MEMS switch modules and passive phase delay shifter circuits uses a low loss, preferably flip-chip, interconnection technology. The hybrid circuit assembly approach separates the fabrication of the MEMS switch modules from the fabrication of the passive phase delay circuits thereby avoiding process incompatibilities and low yields and providing substantial production cost savings. In another aspect of the invention, the integration on a common substrate of a MEMS-based hybrid circuit phase shifter assembly behind each of a plurality of radiating elements provides a compact, low cost electronic scanning antenna array.

Abstract: A merged dual flipped White Cell including a White Cell having upper and lower cell regions; an optical deflector array for selectively deflecting light to either an upper image plane associated with said upper region or to a lower image plane associated with said lower region; a plurality of optical delay lines for receiving and returning delayed light at said upper image plane; and a plurality of reference mirrors and optical input and output ports in optical communication with said deflector array and with said plurality of delay lines. A wavelength tapped delay White Cell including a White Cell optical cavity having a flat mirror plane on a first side thereof and curved mirrors on a second side thereof, the flat mirror plane having an array of frequency-selective taps. Also disclosed are cascaded antenna beamforming systems comprising one or more merged dual flipped White Cells and/or one or more wavelength tapped delay White Cells.

Abstract: System and method for in-operation calibration of phased array antenna system, involv-ing outputting first and second calibration signals on separate calibration nets through same switches of transmit and receive modules (TRM) and transmit and receive feed network branches for detecting whether system is operational. Allows moreover, identifi-cation of drift in specific calibration net and compensation therefore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining transmission times of signals transmitted by at least one radio transmitter BTS. In order to enhance the accuracy and reliability of estimates of transmission times or of changes of the transmission time of signals transmitted by radio transmitters BTS, it is proposed that a difference in the time level of estimates of the transmission times based on the measurement results of two different radio receivers LMU A,B is taken into account in a filtering of the estimates for obtaining an accurate value for the transmission times. It is further proposed that the changes of the transmission times estimated at different receivers LMU A,B is averaged for obtaining an accurate information about the changes. The invention equally relates to a corresponding radio communications system and to a processing unit for such a system.

Abstract: A low-cost, steerable, phased array antenna suitable for use in wireless fidelity (WiFi) and other wireless telecommunication networks, in particular multi-hop ad hoc networks, is disclosed. Various embodiments of an antenna assembly that includes a plurality of linear phased array antennas fed by corporate feeds are disclosed. The corporate feeds are implemented as parallel wire transmission lines, such as a coaxial, stripline, microstrip, or coplanar waveguide (CPW) transmission line. Selected branches of the corporate feed network include transmission line phase shifters oriented and sized so as to allow a high-permittivity dielectric element to control phase shifting. Thus, the corporate feed forms a phase shifting feed whose phase shift is controllable.

Abstract: A communication method comprises dividing each of a plurality of optical carrier signals into a plurality of intermediate signals wherein each optical carrier signal carrying all of a plurality of wavelength division multiplexed initial data signals and each intermediate signal carrying all of the multiplexed initial data signals over a predetermined wavelength range, separating each intermediate signal into the respective data signals contained therein, and combining corresponding data signals separated from the intermediate signals into their respective initial data signals.

Abstract: A transmission line phase shifter ideally suited for use in low-cost, steerable, phased array antennas suitable for use in wireless fidelity (WiFi) and other wireless telecommunication networks, in particular multi-hop ad hoc networks, is disclosed. The transmission line phase shifter includes a wire transmission line, such as a coaxial, stripline, microstrip, or coplanar waveguide (CPW) transmission line. A high-permittivity dielectric element that overlies the signal conductor of the wire transmission line is used to control phase shifting. Phase shifting can be electromechanically controlled by controlling the space between the high-permittivity dielectric element and the signal conductor of the wire transmission line or by electrically controlling the permittivity of the high-permittivity dielectric element.

Abstract: A device for feeding signals between a common line and two or more ports. The device including a branched network of feedlines coupling the common line with the ports. The feedlines have transformer portions of varying width for reducing reflection of signals passing through the network. A dielectric member is mounted adjacent to the network and can be moved to synchronously adjust the phase relationship between the common line and one or more of the ports. The dielectric member also has transformer portions for reducing reflection of signals passing through the network. At least one of the junctions of the network does not overlap with the dielectric member, or overlaps a region of reduced permittivity.

Abstract: An antenna system for a transmitter, said antenna system comprising an array of antennas, said array being controllable to transmit a signal over part or all of a coverage area of said transmitter; an amplifier coupled to each antenna, said amplifier being arranged to receive one or more signals to be transmitted by the respective antenna; and a further amplifier connected to at least one of said antennas, said further amplifier arranged to receive a signal to be transmitted over substantially all of the coverage area of said transmitter.

Abstract: System and method for signal processing and beam forming. A system for processing signals includes a first phase shifter, a second phase shifter, a first variable time delay system, and a second variable time delay system. Additionally, the system includes a first signal processing system and a sampling system. Moreover, the system includes a switching system and a measuring system.

Abstract: A scanned antenna array includes time delay stages each having at least one time delay sub-circuit. Each time delay sub-circuit includes a sub-circuit input, a sub-circuit output, a first delay line, and a second delay line. A first diode switch connects a first end of a selected one of the first and second delay lines to the sub-circuit input. A second diode switch connects a second end of the selected one of the first and second delay lines to the sub-circuit output. The sub-circuit output is connected to one of another time delay sub-circuit or to an output of the time delay stage. A respective transmit/receive (TR) module is coupled to an output of each time delay stage and issues a TR module output signal. A plurality of antenna elements radiate an output signal received from the corresponding TR module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for augmenting an existing base station for cellular communications, especially when the existing base station includes a main antenna and a diversity antenna. The method comprising replacing the diversity antenna array with a new diversity antenna array comprising both receive and transmit elements; installing a switching matrix in the signal path between the base station and the transmit element of both the new diversity antenna array and the main antenna array; and switching the transmission of data between the transmit elements of the main antenna array and the diversity antenna array.

Abstract: A phased array antenna includes a transmission line network, e.g. optical or coaxial cable network, and a reference signal generator to provide a reference frequency signal to each of the antenna radiating elements. A phase calibrator generates a calibration signal. e.g. a swept frequency signal, on the transmission line network which is also reflected to create a reflected calibration signal. The phase calibrator determines a frequency difference between the calibration signal and the reflected calibration signal at each of a plurality of taps, and outputs a delay measurement signal to the antenna radiating elements, e.g. via an antenna controller, for adjusting a phase of the reference frequency signal.