Matrix architecture switch controlled adjustable performance electromagnetic energy coupling mechanisms using digital controlled single source supply
AssigneeQorTek, Inc.
InventorsGareth Knowles, Eli Hughes
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates generally to reconfigurable, solid-state matrix arrays comprising multiple rows and columns of reconfigurable secondary mechanisms that are independently tuned. Specifically, the invention relates to reconfigurable devices comprising multiple, solid-state mechanisms characterized by at least one voltage-varied parameter disposed within a flexible, multi-laminate film, which are suitable for use as magnetic conductors, ground surfaces, antennas, varactors, ferrotunable substrates, or other active or passive electronic mechanisms.
Claims41
A reconfigurable adaptive circuit matrix comprising:
- at least one sheet of dielectric material;
- a plurality of secondary electronic circuits arranged in a matrix and supported on or within each said dielectric material, one or more said secondary electronic circuits affected by at least one characteristic of said dielectric material;
- an external switch means for electrically activating one or more of said secondary circuits when said switch means is activated;
- and
- means for varying said characteristic of said secondary electronic circuits to vary operation.
A reconfigurable adaptive circuit matrix comprising:
- a plurality of conducting patches;
- an electromagnetic coupler;
- a plurality of conductive pathways;
- and
- a non-conducting surface arranged in a matrix, said conducting patches supported on said non-conducting surface and electrically interconnected via said pathways, said electromagnetic coupler having a resonant frequency adjusted by said conducting patches.
A sheet-wise, bimorph composited structure comprising:
- a pair of spaced outer layers composed of an ultra, high-strain polymer or an acrylic;
- a dielectric layer comprising a ferrotunable material whose permittivity is dependent upon applied voltage;
- a matrix circuit comprising a plurality of secondary circuits;
- means for activating said matrix circuit;
- and
- an adjoining layer comprising a plurality of embedded control switches for varying permittivity of said ferrotunable material, whereby function of said matrix circuit is affected.
A sheet-wise, bimorph composited structure comprising:
- a pair of spaced outer layers preferably comprising an ultra, high-strain polymer or an acrylic;
- a multilayered liquid crystalline polymer having an electronic circuitry and a waveguide connectorization so as to form a matrix circuit;
- a dielectric layer comprising a ferrotunable material whose permittivity is dependent upon applied voltage;
- a plurality of secondary circuits;
- means for activating said matrix circuit;
- and
- a matrix configured digital controller whose small signal outputs are coupled to said matrix circuit.
An electromechanical coupler mechanism comprising:
- a dielectric material having a first surface and a second surface;
- an electrically conducting layer substantially adjacent to said first surface of said dielectric material;
- and
- a plurality of electrically conducting patterns supported by said second surface of said dielectric material, said electromechanical coupler mechanisms comprising a plurality of regions, a resonant frequency of at least one region being independently adjustable.
A reconfigurable antenna comprising:
- a substrate;
- a plurality of addressable antenna elements disposed in a matrix array upon said substrate, said antenna elements having initial fixed antenna characteristics;
- a switch means for electrically interconnecting at least two of said addressable antenna elements;
- and
- means for activating said switch means, wherein a plurality of antenna element settings can be selected to alter said antenna characteristics in a desired fashion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.