Space-fed array operable in a reflective mode and in a feed-through mode
AssigneeRaytheon Company
InventorsJar J. Lee, Clifton Quan, Stanley W. Livingston
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A space-fed array is selectively operable in a reflective mode or in a feed-through mode. The array includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a primary array; and a feed array. The primary array includes a first side set of radiating elements, a first set of phase shifters, a set of switches, a second set of phase shifters and a second side set of radiating elements. Each of the switches is connected between corresponding ones of the first set and the second set of phase shifters and ground, selectively settable at an open position or at a closed position. The open position corresponds to the feed through mode, and the closed position corresponds to the reflective mode.
Claims21
A space-fed array selectively operable in a reflective mode or in a feedthrough mode, comprising:
- a primary array;
- a feed array configured to form a beam which illuminates the primary array;
- and
- wherein the primary array includes a plurality of array elements each comprising:
- a first radiating element;
- a first phase shifter coupled to the first radiating element;
- a second radiating element;
- a second phase shifter coupled to the second radiating element;
- and
- a switch comprising;
- a first terminal coupled to the first phase shifter and the second phase shifter;
- and
- a second terminal coupled to a ground;
- wherein the switch comprises an open position and a closed position;
- wherein, in the closed position, the first phase shifter is configured to reflect energy from the first radiating element;
- wherein, in the closed position, the second phase shifter is configured to reflect energy from the second radiating element;
- and
- wherein the open position corresponds to the feed through mode, and the closed position corrsponds to the reflective mode.
A space-fed array selectively operable in a reflective mode or in a feed-through mode, comprising:
- a primary lens array assembly;
- a feed array spaced apart from the primary lens array assembly;
- and
- wherein the primary lens array assembly includes a plurality of array elements each comprising:
- a first radiating element;
- a first phase shifter coupled to the first radiating element;
- a second radiating element spaced apart from the first radiating element;
- a second phase shifter coupled to the second radiating element;
- and
- a switch coupled to the first phase shifter and the second phase shifter, where the switch comprises an open position and a closed position;
- wherein the switch selectively connects a transmission line node between the first phase shifter and the second phase shifter to ground;
- wherein, in the open position, energy from one of the first radiating element and the second radiating element passes through the node to the other element, providing a feed-through mode;
- and
- wherein, in the closed position, a short circuit to ground is created and energy arriving at the node, from the first radiating element and the second radiating element, is reflected by the short circuit, providing a reflection mode.
An air-ship mounted space-fed array selectively operable in a reflective mode or in a feed-through mode, comprising:
- a primary lens array assembly supported by the airship;
- a feed array supported by the airship, said feed array spaced apart from the primary lens array assembly;
- and
- wherein the primary lens array assembly includes a plurality of array elements each comprising:
- a first radiating element;
- a first phase shifter coupled to the first radiating element;
- a second radiating element spaced apart from the first radiating element;
- a second phase shifter coupled to the second radiating element;
- and
- a switch coupled to the first phase shifter and the second phase shifter, where the switch comprises an open position and a closed position;
- wherein the switch selectively connects a transmission line node between the first phase shifter and the second phase shifter to ground;
- wherein, in the open position, energy from one of the first radiating element and the second radiating element passes through the node to the other element, providing a feed-through mode;
- and
- wherein, in the closed position, a short circuit to ground is created and energy arriving at the node, from the first radiating element and the second radiating element, is reflected by the short circuit, providing a reflection mode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.