370results about "Modular arrays" patented technology

An antenna apparatus includes an antenna substrate with opposite first and second surfaces; and a PCB having opposite first and second surfaces. Antenna elements are disposed at the first surface of the antenna substrate. Electrically conductive columns, each having a first end attached to the second surface of the PCB and a second end attached to the second surface of the antenna substrate, secure the PCB to the antenna substrate and provide an electrical interconnect between the PCB and the antenna substrate. RFIC chips are each attached to the second surface of the antenna substrate and are coupled to the antenna elements. At least one circuit element is attached to the first surface of the PCB and electrically coupled to at least one of the RFIC chips through at least one of the electrically conductive columns.

The subject matter described herein relates to various antenna element configurations, antenna array configurations, their operations including various systems and methods to generate modulated data for transmission by an RF antenna array via an optical processing engine. The subject matter includes optical processing engine structure and methods (e.g., modulating in the optical domain, MIMO and spatial modulation via RF beam formation, coherent transmission of RF signal components, coherent operation of spatially separate RF antenna arrays) that may be implemented with the various RF antenna array structures. In some examples, the system combines the virtues of digital, analog and optical processing to arrive at a solution for scalable, non-blocking, simultaneous transmission to multiple UE-s. Much of the system architecture is independent of the RF carrier frequency, and different frequency bands can be accessed easily and rapidly by tuning the optical source (TOPS). In some examples, multiple communication channels may be transmitted simultaneously to different locations. The transmitter may be formed by an array of optically fed antennas.

Liquid crystal antenna, splicing liquid crystal antenna, and method of forming liquid crystal antenna are provided. The liquid crystal antenna includes support structures, liquid crystals, a first substrate and a second substrate. The first substrate and the second substrate are arranged oppositely, the support structures are arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, the first substrate includes first metal layers arranged on a side of the first substrate facing the second substrate, the second substrate includes a second metal layer arranged on a side of the second substrate facing the first substrate. The second metal layer includes functional part and spacers, the functional parts and the first metal layers are stacked along a first direction perpendicular to the second substrate, and the functional parts at least partially overlap the first metal layers. The support structures are arranged between the spacers and the first metal layers.

Example directional couplers and devices including one or more directional couplers are disclosed. In an example, a directional coupler comprises a first electrically conductive portion and a second electrically conductive portion, a first ground plane electrical conductor disposed in a plane between the first electrically conductive portion and the second electrically conductive portion, and a second ground plane electrical conductor and a third ground plane electrical conductor disposed such that the first and second electrically conductive portions and the first ground plane electrical conductor are between the second and third ground plane electrical conductors. The first ground plane electrical conductor includes at least one hole directly between the first electrically conductive portion and the second electrically conductive portion.

Systems, devices, and methods related to dual linear polarized wideband antennas for compact antenna arrangements are provided. An example antenna structure includes a multi-layered printed circuit board (PCB); a folded magnetoelectric antenna element including a first portion disposed on a first layer of the multi-layered PCB and a first fold portion contiguous to the first portion and extending to at least a second layer of the multi-layered PCB; and a patch antenna element disposed on a third layer of the multi-layered PCB, wherein the first, second, and third layers are separate layers of the multi-layered PCB. The antenna structure further includes a first feeding port electrically coupled to the patch antenna element, and a second feeding port electrically coupled to the patch antenna element, where the first and second feeding ports are associated with different polarizations.

A base station antenna includes a first antenna having first and second spaced-apart columns of first radiating elements therein, which are configured to operate within a first frequency band. An active antenna system (AAS) is provided, which is configured to operate within a second, typically higher, frequency band. The AAS includes a second antenna within a space between the first and second columns of first radiating elements. These first radiating elements may include tilted feed stalks which support higher integration by enabling the first radiating elements to overhang at least a portion of the second antenna.

A portable communication device is provided. The portable communication device includes a foldable housing including a first housing and a second housing, a hinge structure coupled with the first housing and the second housing, a flexible display accommodated in the first housing and the second housing, a communication processor accommodated in the foldable housing, and an antenna module electrically connected with the communication processor and configured to transmit and / or receive a millimeter wave signal, wherein the antenna module is disposed in a peripheral portion of the first housing such that, when the foldable housing is fully unfolded, at least a portion of the antenna module is overlapped with the hinge structure when viewed from above the hinge structure.

A multi-mode phased array antenna ("MPAA") is disclosed. The MPAA has at least two modes of operation, where a first mode of operation produces a first main-beam and a second mode of operation produces a second beam. The MPAA includes a plurality of radiating elements arranged as an array of radiating elements and a controller in signal communication with the plurality of radiating elements. The controller is configured to excite the plurality of radiating elements to produce a first radiation pattern having the first main-beam in the first mode of operation and a second radiation pattern having the second beam in the second mode of operation. The second beam is wider than the first main-beam and the second radiation pattern is similar to a radiation pattern for a single radiating element of the plurality of radiating elements. The controller also switches between the first mode and second mode of operation.

Provided is a direct radiating array (“DRA”) antenna for transmitting or receiving an electromagnetic radio frequency (“RF”) signal of at least one predetermined signal frequency band. The DRA antenna comprising a plurality of radiating elements defining a radiating surface of the DRA antenna, a plurality of RF signal chain paths, each of the plurality of RF signal chain paths coupled to a respective one of the plurality of radiating elements and configured to amplify an RF signal either received by or to be transmitted by the respective one of the radiating elements, and a beamforming network board having a plurality of electrical ports for electrically connecting to the plurality of RF signal chain paths.

A cascadable radar element for use in a radar measuring device for carrying out a digital beam transformation process, having at least one transmitting antenna and at least one receiving antenna which are integrated in the radar element, as well as an input connection and an output connection for local oscillator signals.

A multiplexer and an array antenna module, the multiplexer is applied to the array antenna module, the array antenna module comprises an array antenna and a beam forming module, the multiplexer comprises a first end and at least two second ends, and the at least two second ends extend towards the direction of the first end; one of the first end or the at least two second ends is connected to the array antenna, the other of the first end or the at least two second ends is connected to the beam forming module, and the first end and the at least two second ends are used for conducting signals between the array antenna and the beam forming module.

A multiplexer and an array antenna module, the array antenna module comprises a circuit board and an array antenna, the multiplexer comprises a first end, at least two second ends and a plurality of conduction parts, and the at least two second ends and the first end are arranged on the same layer of the circuit board; the connecting part is connected between the first end and the at least two second ends, the first end and the at least two second ends are respectively arranged on two opposite sides of the connecting part, and the connecting part, the first end and the at least two second ends are arranged on different layers of the circuit board; the connecting part is respectively connected with the first end and the at least two second ends through a plurality of conducting parts; the first end or one of the at least two second ends is connected to the array antenna and is used for conducting signals of the array antenna.

An antenna apparatus described herein includes a first reflector element that comprises a first nonresonant waveguide cavity that is partially bounded by a first parabolic reflector surface. The apparatus optionally includes additional reflector elements arranged in parallel with the first reflector element, where the additional reflector elements include corresponding nonresonant waveguide cavities that are partially bounded by corresponding reflector surfaces. The antenna apparatus is configured to emit an electromagnetic signal based upon electromagnetic signals reflected by the one or more parabolic reflector surfaces and output by the one or more reflector elements. The antenna apparatus may conversely be employed to receive an electromagnetic signal.

A multi-step coherent combination of signals received by multiple distributed phased antenna arrays to increase the coverage area of the distributed phase antenna arrays while decreasing the loss of such antennas, particularly in sections of a service area that traditionally are not covered by such antennas. More particularly, the solution presented herein coherently combines, in a multi-step coherent combination process, two or more data streams from two or more Phased Array Antenna Modules (PAAMs) to generate output data for the corresponding wireless device. In so doing, the solution presented herein achieves diversity gain in some scenarios, e.g., when adjacent PAAMs have partially overlapping frequency ranges, facilitates unsymmetrical BW support for uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) implementations, and / or provides service to more users.

Described herein are feed networks for phased array antennas. An exemplary feed combiner assembly for a phased array antenna can electrically combine multiple radiating elements in a column for connection to a common feed line of a feed network. This enables transmission of a signal to the multiple radiating elements with a single feed line, reducing the number of feed lines required for feeding the radiating elements. The feed combiner assembly can provide for a more compact feed network and easier replacement than a conventional feed line connection configuration. Each radiating element of the phased array antenna can have a capacitive coupling portion that capacitively couples the radiating element to adjacent radiating elements. The spacing between adjacent radiating elements can be controlled by a non-conductive, overmolded spacer disposed on the capacitive coupling portion, which aligns and maintains a minimum separation between adjacent radiating elements.

An antenna element can include a feed and a radiating element and a dielectric substrate having a first surface and a second surface, the dielectric substrate comprising the feed of the antenna element within the dielectric substrate. The antenna element module can also include an integrated circuit (IC) chip adhered to the first surface the dielectric substrate and coupled to the feed of the antenna element. The IC chip can include a circuit to adjust a signal communicated with the feed. The antenna element module can further include a plastic antenna carrier adhered to the second surface of the dielectric substrate. The plastic antenna carrier can include a body portion comprising a cavity for the radiating element of the antenna element, the radiating element positioned in the cavity of the body portion of the plastic antenna carrier.

A digital receiver / exciter (DREX) antenna calibration system includes a DREX antenna array and an antenna probe configured to receive energy from and / or transmit energy to the DREX antenna array. A modular signal processing unit is in signal communication with the DREX antenna array. The modular signal processing unit includes a plurality of individual signal processing programmable integrated circuits configured to process the energy. A modular array controller is in signal communication with the probe controller, the DREX antenna array, and the modular signal processing unit. The modular array controller includes at least one modular array unit comprising an array programmable integrated circuit and a multi-core processor.

The present invention is entitled "Antenna Element Module". The present invention discloses an antenna element, which may include a feeding portion, a radiation element, and a dielectric substrate having a first surface and a second surface, and the feeding portion of the antenna element is included in the dielectric substrate. The antenna element module may further include an integrated circuit (IC) chip, which is adhered to the first surface of the dielectric substrate and coupled to the feeding portion of the antenna element. The IC chip may include a circuit for adjusting a signal transmitted by the feeding portion. The antenna element module may further include a plastic antenna carrier adhered to the second surface of the dielectric substrate. The plastic antenna carrier may include a main body portion, and the main body portion includes a cavity for the radiation element of the antenna element, and the radiation element is positioned in the cavity of the main body portion of the plastic antenna carrier.

An antenna system includes a lens portion that has a spherical surface, and an antenna feed structure coupled to a surface of the lens portion. The antenna feed structure includes one or more feed tiles supported by an electrical connectivity layer conforming to the spherical surface. The antenna system also includes one or more offset structures positioned between the one or more feed tiles and an outer surface of the antenna system.

A configurable phased array tile is disclosed including an aperture assembly having a plurality of aperture assembly connectors, a backplane assembly having a plurality of backplane assembly connectors, and a plurality of vertical transmit cards mounted to a corresponding first plurality of aperture assembly connectors and a corresponding first plurality of backplane assembly connectors. The plurality of vertical transmit cards each include a plurality of transmit channels including at least one high power transmit amplifier for powering at least one radiating element mounted to the aperture assembly.

The present invention relates to a modular architecture for transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency (RF) signals using a phased antenna array. A first portion of the RF signal is transmitted / received by a master IC (21) and a second portion of the RF signal is transmitted / received by a plurality of satellite ICs (22). RF distribution between the master IC (21) and the satellite ICs (22) occur over a low-RF-loss interposer (51). The master IC (21) performs upconversion / downconversion between RF signal and a baseband or intermediate frequency signal.

Disclosed is an antenna having a plurality of radiator columns and an integrated phase shifter / calibration board. The radiator columns have radiator clusters that may be differentially phase to provide beam tilt. The input traces of each of the phase shifters is capacitively coupled to a Wilkinson power divider that sums the power of all the input signals, thereby providing a calibration function. The output traces of each of the phase shifters has a designated meander pattern that provides phase alignment for all the output signals to prevent phase mismatches between signals fed to the radiator clusters.

A radar array assembly is provided that includes a first chassis and a first vertical stiffener. The first chassis is configured to house a first set of array electronics and a second set of array electronics. The first vertical stiffener is disposed within and operatively coupled to the first chassis, enabling the first chassis to be resistant to buckling and defining a first cavity in which the first set of array electronics is disposed and a second cavity in which the second set of array electronics is disposed. The first vertical stiffener is configured to be incorporated within the first set of array electronics and the second set of array electronics, and the first vertical stiffener includes a first integrated cooling manifold configured to cool both the first set of array electronics and the second set of array electronics.

An apparatus comprising: a ground plane having a perimeter; at least one support positioned within the perimeter of the ground plane and extending outwardly from the ground plane; at least one multi-port antenna supported by the support at a distance from the ground plane wherein the multi-port antenna has a different radiation pattern associated with each port, wherein the multi-port antenna operates with a first radiation pattern when a first port is used and operates with a second radiation pattern, different to the first radiation pattern, when a second port, different to the first port, is used; wherein the at least one support comprises a slot positioned between the multi-port antenna and the ground plane and / or the ground plane comprises a slot.

In some embodiments, an antenna module includes an antenna element having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side comprising a radiating side of the antenna element and a support structure disposed at the second side of the antenna element and configured to define a cavity, the support structure including a portion configured to reduce signal leakage between the antenna element and the cavity.

To provide an integrated antenna assembly disposed in a blade portion of a vehicle and providing omnidirectional coverage.SOLUTION: An integrated antenna assembly 106 supporting an omni-directional beam is formed in a top portion 206 of a blade portion 204 of a vehicle. A first antenna array 208 is formed on a first surface 216 of the top portion 206, an antenna array 210A is formed on a first side 212A of the top portion 206, an antenna array 210B is formed on a second side 212B of the top portion 206, the antenna array 210A is formed on a third side 212C of the top portion 206, an antenna array 210C is formed on the first side 212A of the top portion 206, and an antenna array 210D is formed on a fourth side 212D of the top portion 206. The vehicle is attached to the integrated antenna assembly 106 at a first surface 201 of a base portion 202 of the blade portion 204.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

A modular radio frequency (RF) device includes N base units, each including a differential segmented array (DSA) tile with a support board and a two‑dimensional (2D) array of electrically conductive tapered projections disposed on the support board. Neighboring pairs of the electrically conductive tapered projections form RF pixels. The N DSA tiles are arranged to form an RF aperture. The N base units are programmed to switch the RF aperture between a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, the N base units are operated as at least two independent subsets with each subset operating as an RF transmitter or receiver independently of the other subsets. In the second operating mode all N base units coherently combine as a single phased array RF transmitter or receiver.

A phased array antenna may include an array of antenna modules each including a module substrate, a plurality of radiating elements, one or more integrated circuit (IC) chips adhered to a lower surface of the module substrate, and one or more final stages of a plurality of stages of a beam forming network (BFN) circuit. Each IC chip can include a circuit to adjust a signal communicated with the plurality of radiating elements. The phased array antenna may also include a multi-layer substrate underlying the array of antenna modules, where the multi-layer substrate may include a remainder of the plurality of stages of the BFN circuit. The remainder of the plurality of stages may be in electrical communication with the final stages through one or more conductive traces of each module substrate and a conductive bonding material, or through a direct connection with the conductive bonding material.

Base station antennas include a main module that has a first backplane that includes a first reflector. A vertically-extending array of first radiating elements is mounted to extend forwardly from the first reflector, and at least one first RF port is coupled to the vertically-extending array of first radiating elements. These antennas further include a sub-module that is attached to the first backplane. The sub-module includes a second backplane that has a second reflector that is separate from the first reflector. A vertically-extending array of second radiating elements is mounted to extend forwardly from the second reflector and is transversely spaced-apart from the vertically-extending array of first radiating elements. A plurality of second RF ports are coupled to the vertically-extending array of second radiating elements. The vertically-extending array of first radiating elements and the vertically-extending array of second radiating elements are configured to serve a common sector of a base station.

A terahertz imaging system is disclosed. The terahertz imaging system includes a terahertz antenna array of a plurality of antenna elements. Each antenna element includes a patch antenna, a one-bit phase shifter, and a plurality of storage elements. The storage elements are used to store a plurality of phase states that are provided to the one-bit phase shifter. The one-bit phase shifter is configured to shift the phase of an incoming signal by either 90° or 270° depending on the value of the phase state. The one-bit phase shifter is also bidirectional, allowing for phase shifting of the transmitted and reflected signals. A plurality of these antenna elements are provided on a semiconductor device having an exposed top metal layer. The top metal layer is used to form the patch antennas.