US5926134A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electronic scanning antenna
Assignee: Thales SA
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Filing: 1997-03-10
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Granted: 1999-07-20
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Expires: 2017-03-10
Abstract
Abstract A two-directional network antenna includes N parallel and juxtaposed arrays of antenna elements respectively connected to electronic transmission/receiving circuits by an ultrahigh frequency connecting device with phase shifts controlled by a control device. The ultrahigh frequency connecting device comprises N transmission lines respectively associated with N arrays of antenna elements, each transmission line having outputs in propagation lengths which are staggered in relation to their input, which outputs are connected to respective antenna elements of the associated array. The ultrahigh frequency connecting device further comprises at least one electromagnetic lens with P inputs and N outputs respectively connected to N inputs of the transmission lines. The control device comprises switching elements for selecting at least one of the P inputs of the electromagnetic lens to provide scanning in one direction, and elements for causing the frequency of the signals applied to the selected input to vary, to provide scanning in a second, perpendicular direction.
Inventors
- 👤 Patrick Pons
- 👤 Christian Renard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 23:37
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01Q; H01Q21/00; H01Q21/0006; H01Q21/0031; H01Q3/00; H01Q3/26; H01Q3/2682
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
187 words
An ultrahigh frequency antenna device for electronic scanning in first and second perpendicular directions, comprising: a two-dimensional network antenna, including N parallel and juxtaposed arrays of antenna elements, ultrahigh frequency connecting means with controlled phase shifts, for connecting the antenna elements to electronic transmission/receiving circuits, and control means, for controlling the phase shifts to modify the radiation pattern originating from the network antenna, including its direction, wherein said ultrahigh frequency connecting means include: N transmission lines respectively associated with N arrays of antenna elements, each transmission line having outputs in propagation lengths staggered in relation to their input, which outputs are connected to the respective antenna elements of the associated array; and at least one electromagnetic lens with P inputs and N outputs, respectively connected to N inputs of the transmission lines; and wherein the control means comprise: switching means for selecting at least one of the P inputs of the electromagnetic lens, to provide said controlled phase shifts for scanning in said first direction; and frequency control means for varying the frequency of the signals applied to the selected input, for scanning in said second direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
187 words
An ultrahigh frequency antenna device for electronic scanning in first and second perpendicular directions, comprising: a two-dimensional network antenna, including N parallel and juxtaposed arrays of antenna elements, ultrahigh frequency connecting means with controlled phase shifts, for connecting the antenna elements to electronic transmission/receiving circuits, and control means, for controlling the phase shifts to modify the radiation pattern originating from the network antenna, including its direction, wherein said ultrahigh frequency connecting means include: N transmission lines respectively associated with N arrays of antenna elements, each transmission line having outputs in propagation lengths staggered in relation to their input, which outputs are connected to the respective antenna elements of the associated array; and at least one electromagnetic lens with P inputs and N outputs, respectively connected to N inputs of the transmission lines; and wherein the control means comprise: switching means for selecting at least one of the P inputs of the electromagnetic lens, to provide said controlled phase shifts for scanning in said first direction; and frequency control means for varying the frequency of the signals applied to the selected input, for scanning in said second direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission lines of a staggered length are serpentine.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission lines of a staggered length are arborescent.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission lines are placed at each array of antenna elements.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission lines include wave guides.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission lines are obtained by means of printed circuit technology.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna elements are of the slot or radiating aperture type.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna elements are of the dipole, patch or slot type, obtained in a printed circuit technology.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein the network antenna comprises two half-antennas supplied by separate electromagnetic lenses.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein the network antenna comprises four quadrants, supplied by four separate electromagnetic lenses associated with four respective switching matrices.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic lens or lenses are Rotman lenses.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-07-19 | 2003-01-18 | 2003-07-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-07-19 | 2007-01-18 | 2007-07-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-07-19 | 2011-01-18 | 2011-07-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |