Communications: radio wave antennas – Antennas – Wave guide type
Reexamination Certificate
2001-04-26
2002-06-11
Wimer, Michael C. (Department: 2821)
Communications: radio wave antennas
Antennas
Wave guide type
C343S777000, C343S834000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06404401
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to parallel plate antennas and, more particularly, to steerable, circular parallel plate antennas.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Modern communications applications at millimeter band frequencies often require the use of high gain, directional antennas. Typically, directional antennas have narrow beamwidths which requires that the antenna be pointed directly at the communicating device or apparatus. When communicating in another direction, the antenna must be physically rotated to point in the new direction. In some dynamic situations, the antenna might require turning (i.e., rotating) at a faster rate than can be achieved mechanically. One antenna that has been used for these millimeter wave applications is the “pillbox” antenna, which derives its name from its size and shape, with the addition of a horn protruding on one side. Such antennas typically have parallel upper and lower conductive plates between which an electrode is positioned orthogonally with respect to the parallel plates. An arcuate rear reflector extends between the parallel plates and surrounds a significant part of the electrode, giving the antenna its “pillbox” shape. Opposite the rear reflector, the sides of a horn also extend between the parallel plates to collect and feed energy to and from the electrode.
Alternatively, phased arrays can position beams rapidly by adjusting the phase of the arrayed elements. However, many wireless communications applications today do not need any more gain than can be provided by a single antenna element. Consequently, relatively expensive, phased array systems are not necessary for these kinds of applications. The inventive antenna provides a means for rapidly steering the beam of a single element antenna electronically and/or optically.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a low-cost, compact steerable antenna for operation in k-band to w-band applications.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a low-cost, compact, steerable antenna that is steered electronically or optically.
It is another object of the invention to provide a low-cost, steerable antenna which may be co-located to provide both transmit and receive functions (i.e., full-duplex operation).
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a low-cost, steerable antenna which may be used to provide simultaneous multipoint communications.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a low-cost, steerable antenna which may be fed either passively with a probe or actively with an embedded resonator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a low-cost, steerable antenna formed with a semiconductor dielectric medium located between two substantially parallel conductive plates. The plates may be selectively interconnected through the dielectric medium in different patterns defining different directions of operation for the antenna. In one form, photonic energy is used to activate the semiconductor medium to interconnect the plates and a pattern of openings in one or more of the plates act as optical ports for the application of that photonic energy. Activation of the exposed semiconductor with light causes a conductive region to be formed in the semiconductor, thereby connecting the plates with the shape and directionality of the desired antenna. By controlling the activation pattern, the directionality is controlled. The directionality may be fixed or rapidly changed depending upon the application.
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PCT International Search Report dated Sep. 6, 2001 of International Application No. PCT/US01/13658 filed Apr. 27, 2001.
Butler Jesse L.
Gilbert Roland A.
BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
Salzman & Levy
Wimer Michael C.
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