Method for phased array antenna signal handoff

A method for handing-off signals between pairs of phased array antennas while retaining phase lock, comprising the steps of:

• providing at least two phased array antennas, each designated as one of a handing-off antenna and a handed-to antenna;
• connecting the phased array antennas to a receiver;
• communicating a handing-off antenna received signal having a first phase angle to said receiver;
• receiving a handed-to antenna received signal having a second phase angle;
• comparing both antenna received signals in a phase comparator;
• producing a phase error signal proportional to a difference between said first and second phase angles;
• comparing the phase error signal in a control logic circuit to a predetermined negligible phase angle;
• and
• handing-off the handed-to received signal to said receiver when said phase error equals said negligible phase angle.

A phased array antenna system comprising:

• at least two phased array antennas, each designated as one of a handing-off antenna, and a handed-to antenna;
• a received signal of the handing-off antenna having a first phase angle;
• a received signal of the handed-to antenna having a second phase angle;
• a phase comparator to compare the first to the second phase angles;
• a phase error signal produced by the phase comparator, said signal proportional to the difference between the compared phase angles;
• an antenna controller;
• a receiver initially receiving the handing-off antenna received signal;
• a switch connectably joining both antennas to the receiver;
• and
• said switch electrically communicating between each antenna through an antenna select switch matrix, said matrix provided within said controller;
• wherein the antenna controller compares the phase error signal to a predetermined negligible phase error and when the phase error signal equals the negligible phase error signal the received signal of the handed-to antenna is switched to the receiver.