US 6,424,319 B2 · Multi-beam antenna

Abstract

At least one electromagnetic lens having a first contour is disposed proximate to a dielectric substrate having a first edge having a second contour. A plurality of antenna feed elements, for example, end-fire antennas, are disposed on the dielectric substrate along the second contour. A signal applied to a corporate feed port is switched to the antenna feed elements by a switching network, wherein each antenna feed element launches an electromagnetic wave that is diffracted by the at least one electromagnetic lens so as to form an associated beam of electromagnetic energy. Different antenna feed elements generate different beams of electromagnetic energy in different directions. A pair of electromagnetic lenses with associated antenna feed elements at different edge locations on the dielectric substrate provide for bi-static operation. A reflector may be used to redirect the beams of electromagnetic energy.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A multi-beam antenna, comprising,

a. at least one electromagnetic lens, wherein said at least one electromagnetic lens has a first side comprising a first contour at an intersection with a reference surface;
b. a dielectric substrate, wherein said dielectric substrate comprises a first edge comprising a second contour proximate to said first contour, said first edge of said dielectric substrate is located on said reference surface, and said first edge is proximate to said first side of one of said at least one electromagnetic lens;
and
c. a plurality of antenna feed elements on said dielectric substrate along said second contour of said first edge.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multi-beam antenna

Life of this patent

Multi-beam antenna

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19