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US 8,077,087 B2Granted
Methods and apparatus for phased array
AssigneeRaytheon Company
InventorsJames R. Gallivan, Kenneth W. Brown, Reid Lowell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a phased array system. The phased array system may include an array structural frame defining an array of module-receiving mounting locations. The phased array system may further include multiple array modules. Each array module may be adapted to be mounted in one of the mounting locations, and may include an antenna and a power source. The power source may supply power to the array module during an array transmit operation.
Claims16
A phased array system, comprising:
- an array structural frame defining an array of module-receiving mounting locations, wherein each mounting location:
- forms an open-ended slot within the array structural frame;
- and
- includes an identification circuit providing a mounting location identifier and a phase correction indicator corresponding to a physical location of the mounting location within the array structural frame;
- and
- multiple array modules, wherein each array module is adapted to:
- be mounted in one of the mounting locations;
- read the identification circuit to obtain the mounting location identifier and the phase correction indicator, and wherein each array module comprises:
- a housing configured to be positioned within the open-ended slot of one of the mounting locations;
- a single antenna disposed at one end of the housing and configured to fit within the open-ended slot;
- and
- a removable battery module disposed within the housing and adapted to power the array module during a high power burst mode array transmit operation, wherein the removable battery module comprises:
- at least one rechargeable battery;
- and
- recharge and control electronics,
- wherein the array modules are not connected to an external prime power source during the high power burst mode array transmit operation.
13 more elements
An array module for use in conjunction with a phased array system having a plurality of open-ended slots arranged within a frame, comprising:
- a housing configured for selectively removable placement within any open-ended slot of the phased array system;
- a single antenna disposed at one end of the housing and configured to fit within the open-ended slot;
- a module control system disposed within the housing and coupled to the single antenna, wherein the module control system is adapted to obtain a mounting location identifier and a phase correction indicator from an identification circuit coupled to the open-ended slot;
- and
- a removable battery module disposed within the housing and coupled to the antenna for powering the antenna during a high power burst mode array transmit operation, wherein the removable battery module comprises:
- at least one rechargeable battery;
- and
- recharge and control electronics,
- wherein the array module is not connected to an external prime power source during the high power burst mode array transmit operation.
6 more elements
A phased array system, comprising:
- an array structural frame defining an array of module-receiving mounting locations, wherein each module-receiving mounting location forms a recessed slot;
- and
- multiple array modules, wherein each array module comprises:
- a housing adapted to be removably mounted within the recessed slot of one of the module-receiving mounting locations;
- a single antenna disposed at one end of the housing and configured to fit within the recessed slot;
- an amplifier disposed within the housing and coupled to the antenna;
- a phase shifter disposed within the housing and coupled to the amplifier;
- a module control system disposed within the housing and coupled to the phase shifter, wherein the module control system is adapted to obtain a mounting location identifier and a phase correction indicator from an identification circuit coupled to the recessed slot;
- and
- a removable battery module disposed within the housing and coupled to the amplifier and adapted to supply electrical power to the amplifier during a high power burst mode array transmit operation, wherein the removable battery module comprises:
- at least one rechargeable battery;
- and
- recharge and control electronics,
- wherein the array modules are not connected to an external prime power source during the high power burst mode array transmit operation.
11 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.