Method and apparatus for a frequency diverse array
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
InventorsMichael C. Wicks, Paul Antonik
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Method and apparatus for a frequency diverse array. Radio frequency signals are generated by a plurality of independent waveform generators and simultaneously applied to a transmit/receive module. A progressive frequency shift is applied to all radio frequency signals across all spatial channels. Amplitude weighting signals are applied for sidelobe control. Phase control is included for channel compensation and to provide nominal beam steering. The progressive frequency offsets generate a new term which cause the antenna beam to focus in different directions as a function of range.
Claims25
An apparatus for electronically forming an antenna beam pattern, comprising:
- a plurality of waveform generators each producing as an output an independent radio frequency (RF) signal;
- wherein each of said plurality of waveform generators being independently controllable in frequency and phase;
- a transmit/receive module having a plurality of inputs and outputs and having a channel disposed between each of said plurality of corresponding inputs and outputs;
- wherein each of said plurality of inputs being connected correspondingly to the output of each of said plurality of waveform generators, and
- wherein said transmit/receive module further comprises means for:
- modulating the amplitude and phase characteristics of at least one of said plurality of RF signals;
- modulating any of said characteristics independently of any of said other characteristics;
- and
- modulating any of said characteristics of any of said plurality of RF signals independently of any of other said plurality of RF signals;
- a waveform control subsystem having means for applying signals to:
- said plurality of waveform generators so as to control frequency and phase of said output RF signal;
- and
- to said transmit/receive module so as to control said means for modulating said amplitude and phase characteristics;
- and
- at least one RF radiating/receiving element being connected to at least one of said transmit/receive module outputs.
Method for electronically forming an antenna beam pattern, comprising:
- generating a plurality of independent radio frequency (RF) signals;
- wherein said step of generating further comprises the step of independently controlling the frequency characteristics and the first phase characteristics of each of said plurality of independent RF signals;
- channelizing each of said plurality of RF signals into a like plurality of channels, wherein each of said plurality of channels is disposed between a corresponding input and output;
- modulating the amplitude and the second phase characteristics of at least one of said plurality of channels, said step of modulating further comprising the steps of
- modulating any of said characteristics independently of any of said other characteristics;
- and
- modulating any of said characteristics of any of said plurality of channels independently of any of other said plurality of channels;
- and
- radiating into free space at least one of said plurality of channelized RF signals through at least one RF radiating/receiving element being connected to at least one of said outputs of said plurality of channels.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.