Communications: directive radio wave systems and devices (e.g. – Directive – Including a steerable array
Patent
1989-08-10
1991-07-02
Issing, Gregory C.
Communications: directive radio wave systems and devices (e.g.,
Directive
Including a steerable array
342371, 455619, H01Q 322, G02F 100
Patent
active
050293060
ABSTRACT:
A phased-array antenna (14) is disclosed including modules (12) that respond to optic signals provided by a central processor (16) vai an optic feed network (18). In a transmit mode of operation, the central processor provides optic transmit signals to the modules, controlling the phase and attenuation of the various signals to accomplish the desired steering of the antenna beam produced by the array. A mixer or avalanche photodiode (42) in each module provides suitable optical-to-RF power conversion for the input signal to allow antenna elements (44) in the module to radiate the desired electromagnetic beam. During a receive interval, a received electric signal produced by the antenna elements is combined by the mixer with a local oscillator frequency optic signal applied to the mixer by the central processor. As a result, the RF frequency of the received signal is reduced to an IF frequency for low-cost amplification by an amplifier (52). A ligh source (48) then transmits the received signal back to the central processor for interpretation. The resultant arrangement advantageously reduces the complexity and expense of the various modules in the array.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3731103 (1973-05-01), O'Meara
patent: 3878520 (1975-04-01), Wright et al.
patent: 4028702 (1977-06-01), Levine
patent: 4156135 (1979-05-01), Miller, Jr. et al.
patent: 4258363 (1981-03-01), Bodmer et al.
patent: 4661786 (1987-04-01), Bender
patent: 4686533 (1987-08-01), MacDonald et al.
Giacoletto, L. J., "Radar Systems," Electronics Designer's Handbook, 2d Ed., 1977, pp. 26--2-26--5.
Bull James G.
de La Chapelle Michael
Issing Gregory C.
The Boeing Company
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