Low cost polarization twist space-fed E-scan planar phased array antenna

A polarization twist, space-fed, electronically scanned, planar phased array antenna comprising:

• at least one monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC);
• a structural support element for supporting said MMIC;
• a plurality of space-fed, electronically scanned phased array radiating elements formed on said MMIC for receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals, each said phased array radiating element comprising:
• at least one ortho-linear polarization phased array element;
• at least one phase shifting element electrically coupled to each said ortho-linear polarization phased array element for producing a desired degree of phase shift in said radio frequency signal transmitted by said antenna;
• and
• a control circuit for controlling each said phase shifting element to produce said desired degree of phase shift.

A method for forming a polarization twist, space-fed, electronically scanned, planar phased array antenna, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a structural support member;
• forming a monolithic, microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) including a plurality of electronically scanned phased array radiating elements thereon for receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals, and placing said MMIC on said structural support member;
• and
• forming each said phased array radiating element to include an ortho-linear polarization phased array element, at least one phase shifting element for providing a desired degree of phase shifting to said radio frequency signals transmitted by said antenna, and a control circuit for controlling said phase shifting elements to provide said desired degree of phase shifting.