Signal tracking and antenna positioning system

#Field of the Invention

#The invention relates generally to the field of communications, and more particularly, to systems for identifying and tracking radio frequency transmission signals and for positioning an antenna toward targeted signals.

#Description of the Related Technology

#FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a communication system.

#FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the embodiment of the communication system of FIG. 1A with a removable antenna module removed.

#FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an embodiment of part of a communication system.

#A need exists for improved wireless communication systems and methods, for example for use with the transmission and reception of RF signals. In many applications, for example, the military, a particular need exists for mobile antennas capable of being set up quickly and simply. These antennas may be required to track and receive signals at designated radio frequencies, often in environments saturated in RF transmissions where there is widespread signal interference. Presently, omni antennas are often used, because they may be set up quickly and easily to begin receiving signals. The use of omni antennas, however, is not ideal, because they have a relatively low signal-to-noise ratio and are particularly prone to signal interruptions due to interference. While use of directional antennas would improve the signal-to-noise ratio and increase the received signal strength, such use is often impractical since current directional antenna systems may require laborious positioning.

#Various embodiments provide for a communication system designed to overcome these current limitations. For example, in various embodiments, the communication system comprises a directional receive antenna and is configured to track an RF signal, and adjust the positioning of the directional receive antenna, automatically. As a result of the various embodiments, a receive antenna may receive a desired RF signal without manual or user-driven positioning even when the receive antenna comprises a directional antenna.

#In various embodiments, such as the embodiment of a communication system depicted in the perspective views of FIGS. 1A and 1B, a communication system 100 comprises an antenna module 200, a base 400, and processing circuitry 310, wherein the antenna module comprises a receive antenna 210 and a plurality of tracking antennas 220.