Abstract

In an embodiment, an antenna subsystem includes a sparse receive antenna and an electronically steerable transmit antenna. The sparse receive antenna includes an array of electronically steerable receive elements each configured to receive a respective signal having a wavelength and each spaced apart from each adjacent one of the receive elements by a respective first distance that is more than one half of the wavelength, has an aperture, and is configured to generate a receive beam pattern. And the electronically steerable transmit antenna includes an array of transmit elements each configured to radiate a respective signal having the wavelength and each spaced apart from each adjacent one of the transmit elements by a respective second distance that is less than one half of the wavelength, has an aperture that is significantly smaller than the aperture of the sparse receive antenna, and is configured to filter, spatially, the receive beam pattern.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 7/03 - Details of HF subsystems specially adapted therefor, e.g. common to transmitter and receiver
• G01S 13/42 - Simultaneous measurement of distance and other coordinates
• H01Q 1/32 - Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
• H01Q 3/34 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elementsArrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the phase by electrical means

Abstract

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

IPC Classes  ?

• H01Q 1/38 - Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella formed by a conductive layer on an insulating support
• H01Q 3/34 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elementsArrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the phase by electrical means
• H01Q 21/00 - Antenna arrays or systems
• H01Q 25/00 - Antennas or antenna systems providing at least two radiating patterns

Abstract

An embodiment of a radar subsystem includes at least one antenna and a control circuit. The at least one antenna is configured to radiate at least one first transmit beam and to form at least one first receive beam. And the control circuit is configured to steer the at least one first transmit beam and the at least one first receive beam over a first field of regard during a first time period, and to steer the at least one first transmit beam and the at least one first receive beam over a second field of regard during a second time period.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 7/03 - Details of HF subsystems specially adapted therefor, e.g. common to transmitter and receiver
• G01S 13/931 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
• H01Q 1/32 - Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
• G01S 13/42 - Simultaneous measurement of distance and other coordinates

Abstract

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

IPC Classes  ?

• H01Q 3/38 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elementsArrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the phase by electrical means with variable phase-shifters the phase-shifters being digital
• H01Q 21/06 - Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart

Abstract

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

IPC Classes  ?

• H01Q 1/38 - Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella formed by a conductive layer on an insulating support
• H01Q 3/34 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elementsArrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the phase by electrical means
• H01Q 21/00 - Antenna arrays or systems
• H01Q 25/00 - Antennas or antenna systems providing at least two radiating patterns

Abstract

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

IPC Classes  ?

• H01Q 1/38 - Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella formed by a conductive layer on an insulating support
• H01Q 1/32 - Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
• H01Q 3/24 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the orientation by switching energy from one active radiating element to another, e.g. for beam switching
• H01Q 21/00 - Antenna arrays or systems
• H01Q 21/06 - Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart
• H01Q 23/00 - Antennas with active circuits or circuit elements integrated within them or attached to them
• H01Q 9/04 - Resonant antennas

Abstract

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

IPC Classes  ?

• H01Q 3/44 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the electric or magnetic characteristics of reflecting, refracting, or diffracting devices associated with the radiating element
• H01Q 9/04 - Resonant antennas
• H01Q 13/28 - Non-resonant leaky-waveguide or transmission-line antennas Equivalent structures causing radiation along the transmission path of a guided wave comprising elements constituting electric discontinuities and spaced in direction of wave propagation, e.g. dielectric elements or conductive elements forming artificial dielectric
• H01Q 21/06 - Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart
• H01Q 1/28 - Adaptation for use in or on aircraft, missiles, satellites, or balloons
• H01Q 15/00 - Devices for reflection, refraction, diffraction or polarisation of waves radiated from an antenna, e.g. quasi-optical devices
• H01Q 1/32 - Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles

Abstract

In an embodiment, an antenna subsystem includes a sparse receive antenna and an electronically steerable transmit antenna. The sparse receive antenna includes an array of electronically steerable receive elements each configured to receive a respective signal having a wavelength and each spaced apart from each adjacent one of the receive elements by a respective first distance that is more than one half of the wavelength. And the electronically steerable transmit antenna includes an array of transmit elements each configured to radiate a respective signal having the wavelength and each spaced apart from each adjacent one of the transmit elements by a respective second distance that is less than one half of the wavelength. To reduce aliasing, such an antenna subsystem can be operated to filter, spatially, a receive beam pattern generated by the receive antenna with a transmit beam pattern generated by the transmit antenna.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 7/03 - Details of HF subsystems specially adapted therefor, e.g. common to transmitter and receiver
• G01S 13/42 - Simultaneous measurement of distance and other coordinates
• H01Q 1/32 - Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
• H01Q 3/34 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elementsArrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the phase by electrical means

Abstract

An embodiment of an antenna includes first and second transmission lines, first antenna elements, and second antenna elements. The first transmission line is configured to guide a first signal such that the first signal has a characteristic of a first value, and the second transmission line is configured to guide a second signal such that the second signal has the same characteristic but of a second value that is different than the first value. The first antenna elements are each disposed adjacent to the first transmission line and are each configured to radiate the first signal in response to a respective first control signal, and the second antenna elements are each disposed adjacent to the second transmission line and are each configured to radiate the second signal in response to a respective second control signal. Such an antenna can have better main-beam and side-lobe characteristics, and a better SIR, than prior antennas.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01Q 21/00 - Antenna arrays or systems
• H01Q 3/26 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elementsArrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
• G01S 13/931 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
• G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
• G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
• B60W 10/04 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of propulsion units
• B60W 10/20 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of steering systems
• B60W 30/09 - Taking automatic action to avoid collision, e.g. braking and steering
• B64C 1/36 - FuselagesConstructional features common to fuselages, wings, stabilising surfaces or the like adapted to receive antennas or radomes
• B64C 39/02 - Aircraft not otherwise provided for characterised by special use
• H01Q 3/44 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the electric or magnetic characteristics of reflecting, refracting, or diffracting devices associated with the radiating element
• H01Q 13/28 - Non-resonant leaky-waveguide or transmission-line antennas Equivalent structures causing radiation along the transmission path of a guided wave comprising elements constituting electric discontinuities and spaced in direction of wave propagation, e.g. dielectric elements or conductive elements forming artificial dielectric
• H01Q 15/00 - Devices for reflection, refraction, diffraction or polarisation of waves radiated from an antenna, e.g. quasi-optical devices
• G01S 13/933 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of aircraft or spacecraft
• H01Q 1/32 - Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles

Abstract

An embodiment of a radar subsystem includes at least one antenna and a control circuit. The at least one antenna is configured to radiate at least one first transmit beam and to form at least one first receive beam. And the control circuit is configured to steer the at least one first transmit beam and the at least one first receive beam over a first field of regard during a first time period, and to steer the at least one first transmit beam and the at least one first receive beam over a second field of regard during a second time period.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 13/42 - Simultaneous measurement of distance and other coordinates
• G01S 13/93 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
• G01S 13/68 - Radar-tracking systemsAnalogous systems for angle tracking only
• G01S 13/72 - Radar-tracking systemsAnalogous systems for two-dimensional tracking, e.g. combination of angle and range tracking, track-while-scan radar

Abstract

In an embodiment, an antenna includes a one-dimensional array of antenna cells, a signal feed, and signal couplers. The antenna cells are each spaced from an adjacent antenna cell by less than one half a wavelength at which the antenna cells are configured to transmit and to receive, are configured to generate an array beam that is narrower in a dimension than in an orthogonal dimension, and are configured to steer the array beam in the dimension. And the signal couplers are each configured to couple a respective one of the antenna cells to the signal feed in response a respective control signal having an active level. For example, the antenna cells can be arranged such that a straight line intersects their geometric centers.

Abstract

An embodiment of a radar subsystem includes at least one antenna and a control circuit. The at least one antenna is configured to radiate at least one first transmit beam and to form at least one first receive beam. And the control circuit is configured to steer the at least one first transmit beam and the at least one first receive beam over a first field of regard during a first time period, and to steer the at least one first transmit beam and the at least one first receive beam over a second field of regard during a second time period.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 7/03 - Details of HF subsystems specially adapted therefor, e.g. common to transmitter and receiver
• G01S 13/931 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
• H01Q 1/32 - Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
• G01S 13/42 - Simultaneous measurement of distance and other coordinates

Abstract

According to an embodiment, an antenna includes a conductive antenna element, a voltage-bias conductor, and a polarization-compensation conductor. The conductive antenna element is configured to radiate a first signal having a first polarization, and the voltage-bias conductor is coupled to a side of the antenna element and is configured to radiate a second signal having a second polarization that is different from the first polarization. And the polarization-compensating conductor is coupled to an opposite side of the antenna element and is configured to radiate third a signal having a third polarization that is approximately the same as the second polarization and that destructively interferes with the second signal. Such an antenna can be configured to reduce cross-polarization of the signals that its antenna elements radiate.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01Q 13/10 - Resonant slot antennas
• H01Q 1/38 - Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella formed by a conductive layer on an insulating support
• H01Q 21/00 - Antenna arrays or systems
• H01Q 3/24 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the orientation by switching energy from one active radiating element to another, e.g. for beam switching
• H01Q 13/20 - Non-resonant leaky-waveguide or transmission-line antennas Equivalent structures causing radiation along the transmission path of a guided wave
• H01P 1/26 - Dissipative terminations
• H01Q 23/00 - Antennas with active circuits or circuit elements integrated within them or attached to them
• H01Q 25/00 - Antennas or antenna systems providing at least two radiating patterns
• H01Q 9/04 - Resonant antennas
• H01Q 1/28 - Adaptation for use in or on aircraft, missiles, satellites, or balloons
• H01Q 1/32 - Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
• H01Q 21/06 - Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart
• H01Q 9/06 - Resonant antennas Details

Abstract

According to an embodiment, an antenna includes a conductive antenna element, a voltage-bias conductor, and a polarization-compensation conductor. The conductive antenna element is configured to radiate a first signal having a first polarization, and the voltage bias conductor is coupled to a side of the antenna element and is configured to radiate a second signal having a second polarization that is different from the first polarization. And the polarization compensating conductor is coupled to an opposite side of the antenna element and is configured to radiate third a signal having a third polarization that is approximately the same as the second polarization and that destructively interferes with the second signal. Such an antenna can be configured to reduce cross-polarization of the signals that its antenna elements radiate.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01Q 3/24 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the orientation by switching energy from one active radiating element to another, e.g. for beam switching
• H01Q 9/04 - Resonant antennas
• H01Q 13/20 - Non-resonant leaky-waveguide or transmission-line antennas Equivalent structures causing radiation along the transmission path of a guided wave
• H01Q 21/00 - Antenna arrays or systems
• H01Q 21/06 - Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart
• H01Q 23/00 - Antennas with active circuits or circuit elements integrated within them or attached to them
• H01Q 25/00 - Antennas or antenna systems providing at least two radiating patterns
• H01Q 1/28 - Adaptation for use in or on aircraft, missiles, satellites, or balloons
• H01Q 1/32 - Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
• H01P 1/26 - Dissipative terminations

Abstract

In an embodiment, an antenna includes a one-dimensional array of antenna cells, a signal feed, and signal couplers. The antenna cells are each spaced from an adjacent antenna cell by less than one half a wavelength at which the antenna cells are configured to transmit and to receive, are configured to generate an array beam that is narrower in a dimension than in an orthogonal dimension, and are configured to steer the array beam in the dimension. And the signal couplers are each configured to couple a respective one of the antenna cells to the signal feed in response a respective control signal having an active level. For example, the antenna cells can be arranged such that a straight line intersects their geometric centers.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01Q 21/22 - Antenna units of the array energised non-uniformly in amplitude or phase, e.g. tapered array or binomial array
• H04W 16/28 - Cell structures using beam steering
• G01S 13/931 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
• G01S 7/03 - Details of HF subsystems specially adapted therefor, e.g. common to transmitter and receiver
• H01Q 3/28 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elementsArrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the amplitude
• H01Q 3/34 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elementsArrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the phase by electrical means
• H01Q 3/24 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the orientation by switching energy from one active radiating element to another, e.g. for beam switching
• H01Q 21/29 - Combinations of different interacting antenna units for giving a desired directional characteristic
• H01Q 21/06 - Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart
• H01Q 21/08 - Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart the units being spaced along, or adjacent to, a rectilinear path
• H01Q 1/32 - Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
• H01Q 1/28 - Adaptation for use in or on aircraft, missiles, satellites, or balloons

Abstract

An embodiment of an antenna array includes a transmit antenna and a receive antenna. The transmit antenna has, in one dimension, a first size, and has, in another dimension that is approximately orthogonal to the one dimension, a second size that is greater than the first size. And the receive antenna has, in approximately the one dimension, a third size that is greater than the first size, and has, in approximately the other dimension, a fourth size that is less than the second size. For example, such an antenna array, and a radar system that incorporates the antenna array, can provide a high Rayleigh resolution (i.e., a narrow Half Power Beam Width (HPBW)) with significantly reduced aliasing as compared to prior antenna arrays and radar systems for a given number of antenna array channels.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01Q 1/28 - Adaptation for use in or on aircraft, missiles, satellites, or balloons
• H01Q 1/32 - Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
• H01Q 3/24 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the orientation by switching energy from one active radiating element to another, e.g. for beam switching
• H01Q 21/06 - Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart

Abstract

An embodiment of an antenna array includes a transmit antenna and a receive antenna. The transmit antenna has, in one dimension, a first size, and has, in another dimension that is approximately orthogonal to the one dimension, a second size that is greater than the first size. And the receive antenna has, in approximately the one dimension, a third size that is greater than the first size, and has, in approximately the other dimension, a fourth size that is less than the second size. For example, such an antenna array, and a radar system that incorporates the antenna array, can provide a high Rayleigh resolution (i.e., a narrow Half Power Beam Width (HPBW)) with significantly reduced aliasing as compared to prior antenna arrays and radar systems for a given number of antenna-array channels.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 7/03 - Details of HF subsystems specially adapted therefor, e.g. common to transmitter and receiver
• H01Q 21/22 - Antenna units of the array energised non-uniformly in amplitude or phase, e.g. tapered array or binomial array
• H01Q 1/32 - Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
• H01Q 1/28 - Adaptation for use in or on aircraft, missiles, satellites, or balloons
• G01S 13/931 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
• G01S 13/04 - Systems determining presence of a target
• H01Q 3/24 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the orientation by switching energy from one active radiating element to another, e.g. for beam switching
• H01Q 21/06 - Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart
• G01S 13/933 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of aircraft or spacecraft

Abstract

In an embodiment, an antenna subsystem includes a sparse receive antenna and an electronically steerable transmit antenna. The sparse receive antenna includes an array of receive elements each configured to receive a respective signal having a wavelength and each spaced apart from each adjacent one of the receive elements by a respective first distance that is more than one half of the wavelength. And the electronically steerable transmit antenna includes an array of transmit elements each configured to radiate a respective signal having the wavelength and each spaced apart from each adjacent one of the transmit elements by a respective second distance that is less than one half of the wavelength. To reduce aliasing, such an antenna subsystem can be operated to filter, spatially, a receive beam pattern generated by the receive antenna with a transmit beam pattern generated by the transmit antenna.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 13/44 - Monopulse radar, i.e. simultaneous lobing
• G01S 13/93 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
• G01S 7/28 - Details of pulse systems
• H01Q 1/32 - Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
• H01Q 21/06 - Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart
• H01Q 3/26 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elementsArrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
• H01Q 13/20 - Non-resonant leaky-waveguide or transmission-line antennas Equivalent structures causing radiation along the transmission path of a guided wave
• H01Q 21/00 - Antenna arrays or systems

Abstract

In an embodiment, an antenna subsystem includes a sparse receive antenna and an electronically steerable transmit antenna. The sparse receive antenna includes an array of receive elements each configured to receive a respective signal having a wavelength and each spaced apart from each adjacent one of the receive elements by a respective first distance that is more than one half of the wavelength. And the electronically steerable transmit antenna includes an array of transmit elements each configured to radiate a respective signal having the wavelength and each spaced apart from each adjacent one of the transmit elements by a respective second distance that is less than one half of the wavelength. To reduce aliasing, such an antenna subsystem can be operated to filter, spatially, a receive beam pattern generated by the receive antenna with a transmit beam pattern generated by the transmit antenna.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 7/28 - Details of pulse systems
• H01Q 1/32 - Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
• H01Q 3/34 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elementsArrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the phase by electrical means
• G01S 13/931 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
• G01S 13/44 - Monopulse radar, i.e. simultaneous lobing
• H01Q 21/06 - Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart
• H01Q 21/00 - Antenna arrays or systems
• H01Q 13/20 - Non-resonant leaky-waveguide or transmission-line antennas Equivalent structures causing radiation along the transmission path of a guided wave
• H01Q 3/26 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elementsArrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture

Abstract

An embodiment of an antenna includes first and second transmission lines, first antenna elements, and second antenna elements. The first transmission line is configured to guide a first signal such that the first signal has a characteristic of a first value, and the second transmission line is configured to guide a second signal such that the second signal has the same characteristic but of a second value that is different than the first value. The first antenna elements are each disposed adjacent to the first transmission line and are each configured to radiate the first signal in response to a respective first control signal, and the second antenna elements are each disposed adjacent to the second transmission line and are each configured to radiate the second signal in response to a respective second control signal. Such an antenna can have better main-beam and side-lobe characteristics, and a better SIR, than prior antennas.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01Q 21/00 - Antenna arrays or systems
• H01Q 3/26 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elementsArrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
• G01S 13/93 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
• G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
• G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
• B60W 10/04 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of propulsion units
• B60W 10/20 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of steering systems
• B60W 30/09 - Taking automatic action to avoid collision, e.g. braking and steering
• B64C 1/36 - FuselagesConstructional features common to fuselages, wings, stabilising surfaces or the like adapted to receive antennas or radomes
• B64C 39/02 - Aircraft not otherwise provided for characterised by special use
• H01Q 15/00 - Devices for reflection, refraction, diffraction or polarisation of waves radiated from an antenna, e.g. quasi-optical devices
• H01Q 3/44 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the electric or magnetic characteristics of reflecting, refracting, or diffracting devices associated with the radiating element
• H01Q 13/28 - Non-resonant leaky-waveguide or transmission-line antennas Equivalent structures causing radiation along the transmission path of a guided wave comprising elements constituting electric discontinuities and spaced in direction of wave propagation, e.g. dielectric elements or conductive elements forming artificial dielectric
• H01Q 1/32 - Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles

Abstract

An embodiment of an antenna includes first and second transmission lines, first antenna elements, and second antenna elements. The first transmission line is configured to guide a first signal such that the first signal has a characteristic of a first value, and the second transmission line is configured to guide a second signal such that the second signal has the same characteristic but of a second value that is different than the first value. The first antenna elements are each disposed adjacent to the first transmission line and are each configured to radiate the first signal in response to a respective first control signal, and the second antenna elements are each disposed adjacent to the second transmission line and are each configured to radiate the second signal in response to a respective second control signal. Such an antenna can have better main beam and side lobe characteristics, and a better SIR, than prior antennas.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01Q 3/44 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the electric or magnetic characteristics of reflecting, refracting, or diffracting devices associated with the radiating element
• H01Q 21/00 - Antenna arrays or systems
• H01Q 13/28 - Non-resonant leaky-waveguide or transmission-line antennas Equivalent structures causing radiation along the transmission path of a guided wave comprising elements constituting electric discontinuities and spaced in direction of wave propagation, e.g. dielectric elements or conductive elements forming artificial dielectric
• H01Q 15/00 - Devices for reflection, refraction, diffraction or polarisation of waves radiated from an antenna, e.g. quasi-optical devices
• H01Q 1/32 - Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles

Abstract

An embodiment of an antenna comprises an array of antenna elements arranged in groups of antenna elements adjustably coupled to respective reference waves. A multiplicity of patterns of antenna coupling settings are defined, each of which gives rise to a main lobe which points the antenna in a particular direction, each pattern also giving rise to respective side lobes. First and second such patterns may point the antenna in the same direction but with non-identical side lobes. In this way the clutter level from the side lobes relative to the main lobe is much smaller than would be the case if one of the patterns were employed both for transmitting and receiving. Alternatively, the first and second patterns may be used in quick succession both for transmitting, or used in quick succession both for receiving. The antenna may also switch rapidly between patterns where the main lobe points in a different direction in each pattern, allowing dithering of the beam or rapid switching between scanning and tracking.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01Q 3/24 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the orientation by switching energy from one active radiating element to another, e.g. for beam switching
• H01Q 25/00 - Antennas or antenna systems providing at least two radiating patterns
• H01Q 3/26 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elementsArrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
• G01S 13/44 - Monopulse radar, i.e. simultaneous lobing
• G01S 7/28 - Details of pulse systems
• H01Q 21/00 - Antenna arrays or systems
• H01Q 9/04 - Resonant antennas
• H01Q 21/06 - Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart

Abstract

An embodiment of an antenna comprises an array of antenna elements arranged in groups of antenna elements adjustably coupled to respective reference waves. A multiplicity of patterns of antenna coupling settings are defined, each of which gives rise to a main lobe which points the antenna in a particular direction, each pattern also giving rise to respective side lobes. First and second such patterns may point the antenna in the same direction but with non-identical side lobes. In this way the clutter level from the side lobes relative to the main lobe is much smaller than would be the case if one of the patterns were employed both for transmitting and receiving. Alternatively, the first and second patterns may be used in quick succession both for transmitting, or used in quick succession both for receiving. The antenna may also switch rapidly between patterns where the main lobe points in a different direction in each pattern, allowing dithering of the beam or rapid switching between scanning and tracking.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 13/44 - Monopulse radar, i.e. simultaneous lobing
• G01S 7/28 - Details of pulse systems
• H01Q 3/26 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elementsArrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
• H01Q 9/04 - Resonant antennas
• H01Q 21/06 - Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart
• H01Q 21/00 - Antenna arrays or systems