US4581614A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Integrated modular phased array antenna
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp
•
Filing: 1983-07-18
•
Granted: 1986-04-08
•
Expires: 2003-07-18
Abstract
Abstract A modular integrated multi-element phased array antenna. The antenna is comprised of a supporting structure having a plurality of slotted, ridged waveguide radiator elements longitudinally extending therein and a single series ridged waveguide feed structure, having a first and second plurality of waveguide channels formed therein. The feed structure is supported by at least a portion of the supporting structure and receives microwave energy from a source and then couples the energy to the first plurality of waveguide channels. The antenna is further comprised of a multi-element phase shifter module positioned in juxtaposition with the feed structure for receiving the microwave energy from each of the first plurality of waveguide channels. The phase shifted energy is coupled from the phase shifter module to each of the second plurality of waveguide channels. Means is also provided for coupling the phase shifted energy from each of the second plurality of waveguide channels to each of the waveguide radiator elements, whereby the phase shifted energy in the form of a desired microwave beam pattern is transmitted from the radiator elements to a desired location.
Inventors
- 👤 Yvon R. LaCourse
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 05:05
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01Q; H01Q21/00; H01Q21/0006; H01Q21/0037; H01Q21/0043; H01Q21/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
A modular integrated multielement phased array antenna comprising: (a) a supporting structure having a plurality of slotted, ridged waveguide radiator elements longitudinally extending therein; (b) a single series ridged waveguide feed structure, having a first and second plurality of waveguide channels formed therein, positioned adjacent and supported by at least a portion of said supporting structure for receiving microwave energy from a source and coupling the energy to said first plurality of waveguide channels; (c) A module, including a plurality of phase shifters, positioned in juxtaposition with said feed structure for receiving the microwave energy from each of said first plurality of waveguide channels and providing the phase shifted microwave energy to each of said second plurality of waveguide channels; and (d) means for coupling the phase shifted energy from each of said second plurality of waveguide channels to each of said waveguide radiator elements, whereby the phase shifted microwave energy in the form of a desired microwave beam pattern is transmitted from said radiator elements to a desired location.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
170 words
A modular integrated multielement phased array antenna comprising: (a) a supporting structure having a plurality of slotted, ridged waveguide radiator elements longitudinally extending therein; (b) a single series ridged waveguide feed structure, having a first and second plurality of waveguide channels formed therein, positioned adjacent and supported by at least a portion of said supporting structure for receiving microwave energy from a source and coupling the energy to said first plurality of waveguide channels; (c) A module, including a plurality of phase shifters, positioned in juxtaposition with said feed structure for receiving the microwave energy from each of said first plurality of waveguide channels and providing the phase shifted microwave energy to each of said second plurality of waveguide channels; and (d) means for coupling the phase shifted energy from each of said second plurality of waveguide channels to each of said waveguide radiator elements, whereby the phase shifted microwave energy in the form of a desired microwave beam pattern is transmitted from said radiator elements to a desired location.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A phased array antenna according to claim 1, wherein said single series waveguide feed structure is comprised of a primary arm and a secondary arm.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A phased array antenna according to claim 2, wherein said first and second plurality of waveguide channels longitudinally extend within said secondary arm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
A phased array antenna according to claim 3, wherein said secondary arm further includes an isolation wall extending traversely between and electromagnetically separating one end of each of said first and second pluralities of waveguide channels.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
83 words
A phased array antenna according to claim 4, wherein said phase shifted energy coupling means is comprised of an integral 180° waveguide bend having a plurality of waveguide sections, wherein each waveguide section is dimensioned to match the ends of a corresponding one said second plurality of waveguide channels and said waveguide radiator elements to couple the phase shifted microwave energy through a 180° shift in direction from each of said second plurality of waveguide channels to each of said waveguide radiator elements.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
A phased array antenna according to claim 1, wherein each of said phase shifters has an input terminal aligned with one of said first plurality of waveguide channels, and an output terminal aligned with a corresponding one of said second plurality of waveguide channels.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A phased array antenna according to claim 6, further comprising a plurality of RF input and output probes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
A phased array antenna according to claim 7, wherein each of said RF input probes is connected between one of said first plurality of waveguide channels and an input terminal of one of said phase shifters.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
A phased array antenna according to claim 7, wherein each of said RF output probes is connected between an output terminal of one of said phase shifters and one of said second plurality of waveguide channels.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3220007A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-04-07 | 1989-10-07 | 1990-04-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-04-07 | 1993-10-07 | 1994-04-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-04-07 | 1997-10-07 | 1998-04-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |