Random, sequential, or simultaneous multi-beam circular antenna array and beam forming networks with up to 360° coverage

A method of beam forming, the method comprising:

• coupling each of a plurality of first ports associated with a first beam forming network operatively to one of a plurality of antenna elements of a circular array antenna;
• coupling each of a plurality of third ports associated with a second beam forming network operatively to one of a plurality of second ports associated with the first beam forming network using a four-port hybrid coupler;
• coupling each of a plurality of fourth ports associated with the second beam forming network sequentially to a signal by sweeping a switch through a plurality of positions, thereby enabling the antenna elements to provide sequential 360° coverage in a first operation;
• coupling each of the plurality of fourth ports simultaneously to the signal to enable the plurality of antenna elements to provide simultaneous 360° coverage in a second operation;
• selectively coupling a portion of the plurality of fourth ports to the signal to enable the plurality of antenna elements to provide a partial 360° coverage in a third operation, a quantity of the plurality of fourth ports being less than a quantity of the plurality of first ports;
• performing amplitude tapering for sidelobe reduction in either azimuth or elevation using the four-port hybrid coupler;
• and
• enabling selection of beam crossing width such that a signal-to-noise ratio is increased.

A beam forming network system, which comprises:

• at least one first beam forming network comprising a plurality of first ports and a plurality of second ports, each of the plurality of first ports configured to be operatively coupled to one of a plurality of antenna elements of a circular array antenna;
• and
• at least one second beam forming network comprising a plurality of third ports and a plurality of fourth ports, each of the plurality of third ports being operatively coupled to one of the plurality of second ports using a first four-port hybrid coupler;
• a switch being configured to:
• sequentially couple each of the plurality of fourth ports to a signal by sweeping the switch through a plurality of positions, thereby enabling the plurality of antenna elements to provide sequential 360° coverage in a first operation;
• simultaneously couple each of the plurality of fourth ports to the signal to provide simultaneous 360° coverage in a second operation;
• and
• selectively couple a portion of the plurality of fourth ports to the signal to provide a partial 360° coverage in a third operation;
• the beam forming network system being configured to perform amplitude tapering for sidelobe reduction in either azimuth or elevation using the first four-port hybrid coupler;
• a quantity of the plurality of fourth ports being less than a quantity of the plurality of first ports;
• and
• the beam forming network system being configured to enable selection of beam crossing width such that a signal-to-noise ratio is increased;
• and
• at least one third beam forming network comprising a plurality of fifth ports and a plurality of sixth ports, the plurality of fifth ports configured to be operatively coupled to a one of the plurality of fourth ports.

A method of beam forming, which comprises:

• coupling each of a plurality of first ports associated with at least one first beam forming network operatively to one of a plurality of antenna elements of a circular array antenna;
• and
• coupling each of a plurality of third ports associated with at least one second beam forming network operatively to one of a plurality of second ports associated with the first beam forming network using a first four-port hybrid coupler, the second beam forming network further comprising a plurality of fourth ports and a quantity of the fourth ports being less than a quantity of the plurality of first ports;
• sequentially coupling each of the plurality of fourth ports to a signal to enable the plurality of antenna elements to provide sequential 360° coverage in a first operation;
• simultaneously coupling each of the plurality of fourth ports to the signal to enable the plurality of antenna elements to provide simultaneous 360° coverage in a second operation;
• and
• selectively coupling a portion of the plurality of fourth ports to the signal to enable the plurality of antenna elements to provide a partial 360° coverage in a third operation;
• performing amplitude tapering for sidelobe reduction in either azimuth or elevation using the first four-port hybrid coupler;
• and
• enabling selection of beam crossing width such that a signal-to-noise ratio is increased.