System and method for electronically configuring a phased array antenna

Abstract

Various communication antennas are described, including phased array antennas having multiple antenna elements arranged in an array. The antenna further includes electronic equipment configured to electronically divide the antenna elements into two or more sub-arrays, each sub-array containing a subset of multiple antenna elements. The electronic equipment can dynamically reorient the antenna by electronically dividing the antenna elements into different sub-arrays of antenna elements, thereby affecting the beam pattern of each sub-array.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The field of the present invention is phased array antennas.

Background Art

[0002] The following description includes information useful for understanding the present invention. It is not admitted that the information provided in this specification is prior art or relates to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] To provide an aircraft with the ability to connect to a satellite communication network, it is necessarily generally necessary to use an antenna that is typically installed outside the aircraft. However, unlike ground vehicles or marine vessels, there are limitations on the size and configuration of such an antenna because it is necessary to provide a proper aerodynamic profile, whereby the performance of the antenna can be limited.

[0004] One configuration of an antenna currently used in avionics is a rectangular antenna that is positioned along the surface of the aircraft or angled with respect to the surface of the aircraft. Such an antenna is mechanically steered to adjust the azimuth angle. Similarly, the elevation angle is also mechanically adjusted. Such antennas are commercially available from various companies such as Honeywell (trademark), Zodiac Data Systems (trademark), Astronics (trademark), Gilat (trademark), and Viasat (trademark).

[0005] The following discussion focuses on transmitting arrays because the shape of the transmitting beam is strictly regulated by international organizations to ensure that antennas pointing in the desired direction do not cause interference in undesirable directions due to side lobes or "too broad" beams. Exemplary international organizations include, for example, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).

[0006] To evaluate whether a beam is too broad or too narrow, the three-dimensional antenna beam pattern is cut along a specific direction, and its power level (i.e., energy spectral density (ESD) and effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) spectral density) is compared to the maximum allowable power specified in the regulatory mask. If the ESD exceeds the mask, the power level must be reduced. Typically, if the beam is too broad along a particular direction, skew cuts (or beam cuts in general) along that direction are likely to result in mask violations. For this reason, prior art antennas are commonly designed with symmetrical antenna panels so that all cuts (with different skew angles) and different azimuthal angles yield similar performance.

[0007] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a prior art antenna described in (Patent Document 1), which uses a two-axis rectangular gimble to mechanically rotate the antenna panel, thereby steering the antenna's beam pattern, which is defined as a graphical representation of the antenna's radiation characteristics as a function of space. In other words, the antenna's beam pattern describes how the antenna radiates energy into space or how the antenna receives energy. Such antennas can generally support satellite communications over a wider latitudinal range, but they typically suffer from skew angle problems due to beam asymmetry, and their use is limited at longitudes far from the target satellite to avoid interference with neighboring satellites.

[0008] A solution, at least partially, to the skew angle problem that occurs with this type of antenna is to mechanically rotate the resulting asymmetric beam so that the longer plane of the beam is perpendicular to the arc traced by the set of communication satellites. For example, if interference occurs in a particular orientation of the rectangular panel along the geoarch (the orientation in which the beam pattern widens along the geoarch), the antenna panel can be mechanically rotated to electronically steer the beam toward the satellite (compare the left and right diagrams of the antenna in Figure 1). In this way, the antenna can offset the beam relative to the main spreading direction of the antenna panel (i.e., offset the beam direction from the main vertical direction of the rectangle). Thus, the width of the beam pattern along the geoarch becomes much smaller, and interference is avoided.

[0009] While such a solution can reduce interference to satellites other than the target, it increases the complexity of the communication system and may not be suitable for harsh operating environments (where the reliability of the mechanical system is low).

[0010] All publications cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in the same way that each individual publication or patent application is specifically or individually indicated as being incorporated herein by reference. If the definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference conflicts with the definition of that term provided herein, the definition provided herein shall prevail, and the definition in the reference shall not prevail. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0145887 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] Therefore, the need for antennas that support communications across a wide range of latitudes while minimizing interference still exists. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The present invention provides apparatus, systems, and methods for phased array antennas having one or more antenna panels. Preferred antennas include communication antennas that can be used in aircraft, ships, trains, and other vehicles. Each antenna panel preferably includes a plurality of antenna elements arranged in an array and radiating in phase coherence. Typically, the number of elements is inversely proportional to the size of the elements. The antenna elements are intended to be arranged in a square grid, rectangular grid, triangular grid, polygonal grid, or other arrangement.

[0014] By electronically altering the phase shift introduced by a subset of the antenna element array, it is possible to steer the antenna beam in a different direction. In other words, it is possible to dynamically adjust the antenna to "point" in a different direction without having to mechanically rotate the antenna panel. This applies to both the receiving (RX) and transmitting (TX) arrays.

[0015] The patented subject matter of the present invention discussed herein focuses on the ability to electronically reorient an antenna or a subarray of an antenna. Specifically, the patented subject matter of the present invention herein focuses on the problem of dividing a transmitting array into two or more subarrays in an optimal manner that functions to maximize antenna performance while complying with the regulatory requirements of international organizations that control mutual interference between satellite networks. The patented subject matter of the present invention is particularly advantageous when the orientation of the antenna is known in relation to a significant cut in the upper atmosphere (e.g., the geostationary orbit arch) that must comply with a regulatory mask. In such situations, it is possible to reorient the panels and, consequently, the beam, so as to avoid mask violations.

[0016] For the purposes of this specification, an analog phased array beamforming network is defined as a network capable of generating only one antenna beam. The beam pattern indicates the angular direction in which the antenna gain is high or low, in other words, the direction in which the antenna is "pointing".

[0017] If an antenna needs to "point" or direct in different directions simultaneously, it is necessary to generate multiple beams. When multiple beams are required, multiple combinational networks must be implemented behind the antenna elements. Particularly at the radio frequency (RF) chip level, to limit hardware complexity, the antenna panel (array) is often divided or subdivided into two or more sub-arrays, with separate combinational networks arranged in parallel.

[0018] In this case, each combinational network can utilize one of the sub-arrays, i.e., a portion of the array area, but the performance of the phased array antenna is reduced because the antenna aperture area is reduced, and consequently the associated antenna gain is also reduced. The antenna gain as a function of the antenna area can be calculated using a well-known formula.

[0019] For example, when an antenna is pointed towards a desired satellite (i.e., the "desired" direction), the beam pattern must adhere to a regulatory mask and limit the radiation of power to any specific "undesirable" direction. This is particularly important to protect other nearby satellites from interference. The geostationary (GEO) arch is a special line in the sky where many satellites are located close to each other, and if a terminal is pointed towards one satellite, it is important that power is not radiated to satellites adjacent to the "desired" satellite. If the GEO arch happens to be aligned with the long axis of the antenna beam pattern, avoiding interference becomes difficult. In such circumstances, the user terminal typically needs to back off transmit power, reducing throughput. By using the patented subject matter of the present invention discussed herein, even in such circumstances, the orientation of the asymmetric panel can be electronically reset (e.g., rotated by 90°). This aligns the GEO arch with the short axis of the antenna beam pattern, and no longer with the long axis, thus minimizing interference and eliminating the need for the user terminal to back off transmit power.

[0020] Using the concepts described herein, the orientation of an antenna can be electronically reset, resulting in various advantages. First, by dividing an array into two or more sub-arrays, it is possible to simultaneously point multiple satellites using a single phased array antenna, even when the sub-arrays are asymmetric panels. Second, by resetting the orientation of the sub-arrays in different directions, interference with other satellite networks can be minimized, allowing the asymmetric transmit sub-arrays to be used more efficiently (i.e., always at maximum transmit power), resulting in improved average throughput. Third, the antenna can still achieve high throughput while maintaining regulatory constraints and compliance with the EIRP spectral density mask. Fourth, the total aperture area of the antenna can be maximized, thereby maintaining a small antenna area and limiting cost and power requirements. Otherwise, a larger panel area would be required, more RF chips would be needed, and as a result, more power would be consumed.

[0021] The various objectives, features, aspects, and advantages of the claimed subject matter of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of a prior art antenna. [Figure 2] One embodiment of an analog phased array antenna divided into two sub-arrays. [Figure 3A] The analog phased array antenna of FIG. 2 divided into two different sub-arrays. [Figure 3B] Illustrative directions in which the beam of the analog phased array antenna of FIG. 3A can be pointed. [Figure 4] An example of an axial (main beam) skew cut of the sub-array shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5]An example of the skew cut in the axial direction (main beam) of the subarray shown in FIG. 3 is shown. [Figure 6A] Another embodiment of an analog phased array antenna divided into two subarrays is shown, and the antenna is reconfigured from the first configuration shown in FIG. 6A to the second configuration shown in FIG. 6B. [Figure 6B] Another embodiment of an analog phased array antenna divided into two subarrays is shown, and the antenna is reconfigured from the first configuration shown in FIG. 6A to the second configuration shown in FIG. 6B. [Figure 7A] Another embodiment of an analog phased array antenna divided into two subarrays is shown, and the antenna is reconfigured from the first configuration shown in FIG. 7A to the second configuration shown in FIG. 7B. [Figure 7B] Another embodiment of an analog phased array antenna divided into two subarrays is shown, and the antenna is reconfigured from the first configuration shown in FIG. 7A to the second configuration shown in FIG. 7B. [Figure 8A] An exemplary antenna diagram plotted in the u-v coordinate system is shown, showing the first configuration option of the subarray. [Figure 8B] An exemplary antenna diagram plotted in the u-v coordinate system is shown, showing the second option of the subarray. [Figure 9A] An additional exemplary antenna diagram plotted in the u-v coordinate system is shown, showing the first configuration option of the subarray. [Figure 9B] An additional exemplary antenna diagram plotted in the u-v coordinate system is shown, showing the second option of the subarray.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Throughout the following discussion, numerous references will be made to servers, services, interfaces, portals, platforms, electronic devices, or other systems formed from computing devices. The use of such terms should be understood as referring to one or more computing devices having at least one processor configured to execute software instructions stored in tangible, non-temporary, computer-readable media. For example, a server may include one or more computers operating as a web server, database server, or other type of computer server to perform the described roles, responsibilities, or functions.

[0024] The following discussion provides numerous exemplary embodiments relating to the patentable subject matter of the present invention. While each embodiment represents a single combination of the elements of the present invention, the patentable subject matter of the present invention is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment includes elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment includes elements B and D, the patentable subject matter of the present invention is considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0025] Devices and systems according to the concepts of the present invention described herein should be understood to provide a robust and effective antenna system that, advantageously, enables an aircraft to communicate with a communications satellite within the operating latitude range of the device and system while minimizing the impact on the aircraft's performance (e.g., reducing drag caused by the antenna).

[0026] Figures 2 and 3 show one embodiment of an antenna 100 suitable for use in communications between an aircraft and a communications satellite. The antenna 100 includes an analog phased array having an antenna panel 101, which preferably has a rectangular shape. The antenna panel 101 preferably includes a plurality of transmitting elements. However, in some embodiments, the antenna panel 101 is intended to include a plurality of transmitting and receiving elements that can be interlaced / integrated into the antenna panel 101. The antenna panel 101 can be fed electronically or by a suitable beamforming network. The specific number of antenna panels and the overall shape of the antenna panel 101 are modifiable without departing from the scope of the invention discussed herein.

[0027] Preferably, the transmitting elements are uniformly integrated into each antenna panel 101. As shown in Figure 2, the antenna panel 101 can be electronically divided or separated into a first subarray 102 and a second subarray 104. By dividing the antenna panel 101 into multiple subarrays, multiple beams can be generated, but the geometric shape of the subarrays may be asymmetrical, and even if the original complete panel is square, the subarrays may be rectangular. Thus, using the patented subject matter of the present invention discussed herein, the antenna panel 101 can generate multiple beams on a “shared” aperture by dynamically dividing or separating the panel 101 into subarrays 102, 104. Preferably, each subarray includes a rectangular shape. Each subarray 102, 104 is intended to be able to guide or “direct” its beam in a particular direction different from that of the other subarrays.

[0028] The geometric shape of each phased array subarray 102, 104 significantly influences the shape of the beam generated by each subarray. For example, an asymmetric subarray (i.e., a rectangular, non-square panel) generates an asymmetric beam pattern (wider in one direction and narrower in the orthogonal direction), where the length of the subarray along a certain direction is inversely proportional to the angular width (beam width) of the beam on a plane parallel to that direction. In other words, the larger and more symmetrical the subarray, the narrower the beam. Conversely, the more asymmetrical the subarray, the wider the beam. Therefore, a long subarray will have a wider beam than a square subarray. Asymmetric subarrays can have significant beam shapes along several azimuthal and skew cuts. The severity of these shapes depends on the size of the subarray and the degree of its asymmetry.

[0029] This can be seen in Figure 2, where the main lobes of the beams generated by each sub-array 102, 104 are superimposed on their respective sub-arrays. For example, the beam 108 of the smaller and more asymmetrical second sub-array 104 is larger than the beam 106 of the larger and more symmetrical first sub-array 102. As discussed above, the beam 108 is inversely proportional to the angular width (beam width) of the beam on a plane parallel to its direction (i.e., the shorter side of the rectangle).

[0030] Figure 2 shows an antenna panel 101 divided into two sub-arrays 102 and 104 (resulting in two beams 106 and 108), although the antenna panel 101 is intended to be divided into three or more sub-arrays instead. The number of sub-arrays that can be generated primarily limits the size of the resulting sub-arrays. Increasing the number of sub-arrays in panel 101 makes each sub-array smaller, and therefore the antenna gain decreases, and the beamwidth increases, but this is possible until the gain of the sub-arrays is no longer sufficient to complete the link budget with the satellite and the beamwidth no longer conforms to regulatory limits imposed to avoid interference with other satellite networks.

[0031] Figures 3A and 3B show an antenna panel 101 electronically divided or separated into different sets of subarrays, namely a first subarray 112 and a second subarray 114. As shown in the figures, the first subarray 112 and the second subarray 114 have different shapes from the subarrays 102 and 104 shown in Figure 2. As a result of changing the method of dividing the antenna panel 101, the main lobes resulting from the beams generated by each subarray 112 and 114 also change. As mentioned above, this is because the size of a subarray along a certain direction (e.g., width or length) is inversely proportional to the angular width (beam width) of the beam on a plane parallel to that direction. Here, the beam 118 of the smaller and more asymmetrical second subarray 114 is wider along the x-axis, compared to the beam 108 shown in Figure 2, which is wider along the y-axis. The same is true, though less pronounced, for the beam 116 of the first subarray 112. Essentially, the major and minor axes of each beam pattern are reversed compared to those shown in Figure 2.

[0032] Figure 3B shows examples of various directions in which beam 118 may point while maintaining the same orientation. For example, Figure 3B shows three possible directions for the beam along arch 120 (e.g., beam 118A, beam 118B, and beam 118C), but these are not exhaustive.

[0033] Therefore, without physically rotating the antenna panel 101, such as by using a mechanical gimbal as described in prior art, the orientation of the antenna panel 101 can be dynamically reset (by 90 degrees in this case) using the electronic equipment of the antenna 100. This electronically changes the phase shift introduced by each subset of antenna elements, thereby changing the beam pattern of each subarray 102, 104 (making it wider in one direction and narrower in the orthogonal direction). The effect of this electronic resetting of the antenna panel 101 can be confirmed by comparing Figures 4 and 5, which will be described later.

[0034] Figure 4 shows an example of the skew cut of the axial (main) beam 108 of the second subarray 104 of antenna 100 shown in Figure 2. As shown, the beam width widens along the skew cut.

[0035] Figure 5 shows an example of the skew cut of the axial (main) beam 118 of the second subarray 114 of antenna 100 shown in Figure 3. As shown, the beam width narrows along the skew cut.

[0036] Figure 6A shows another embodiment of antenna 400 suitable for use in communications between an aircraft and a communications satellite. Antenna 400 includes an analog phased array having an antenna panel 401, preferably rectangular in shape. Antenna panel 401 preferably includes a plurality of transmitting elements, totaling 2,704 elements arranged in a 52 × 52 array.

[0037] The antenna panel 401 can be electronically divided or separated into a first subarray 402 and a second subarray 404. Preferably, each subarray includes a rectangular shape. Each subarray 402, 404 is intended to be able to guide or “direct” its beam in a specific direction different from that of the other subarrays.

[0038] In exemplary embodiments, the first subarray 402 is intended to include a first subset of transmitting elements arranged in a 52 × 36 array, and the second subarray 404 is intended to include a second subset of transmitting elements arranged in a 52 × 16 array.

[0039] Figure 6B shows an antenna 400 that has been electronically and dynamically reconstructed from the one shown in Figure 6A, and which has an antenna panel 401 divided or separated into a different first subarray 412 and a different second subarray 414. In this embodiment, the subarray 412 is intended to include a first subset of transmitting elements arranged in a 36 × 52 array, and the second subarray 414 is intended to include a second subset of transmitting elements arranged in a 16 × 52 array.

[0040] Figures 7A and 7B show two different configurations of antenna 500, where the antenna panel 501 is divided into a first subarray 502 and a second subarray 504, as shown in Figure 7A, and can be dynamically reconfigured into different sets of subarrays, namely subarrays 512 and 514, as shown in Figure 7B. As shown, the antenna panel 501 includes a polygonal shape formed by multiple rectangles, with each subarray being rectangular in shape. The hatched box defines subarray 502 in Figure 7A and subarray 514 in Figure 7B. In this embodiment, the hardware of the recombination network may be simpler than that of antenna 400 shown in Figures 6A and 6B.

[0041] Figures 8A and 8B show examples of antenna diagrams in the uv coordinate system. Each figure shows various latitudes, including a GEO arch for a user terminal located at latitude 0°640, a GEO arch for a user terminal located at latitude 10°642, and a GEO arch for a user terminal located at latitude 20°644. In these examples, the user terminal antenna is rectangular and has an array of 20 × 10 elements. The antenna can be pointed towards a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, and it is intended that the amount of power radiated toward the GEO arch can be minimized.

[0042] Figure 8A shows a first configuration in which the antenna is electronically divided into two subarrays. In this embodiment, the orientation of the longer side is set parallel to the GEO arch. Figure 8B shows a second configuration in which the antenna is electronically divided into two subarrays. In this embodiment, the orientation of the longer side is set to be perpendicular to the GEO arch.

[0043] In this example, the second configuration shown in Figure 8B is more convenient because the antenna pattern intersects the geoarch at the sixth side lobe (when the user terminal is located at 10°642°N), whereas in the first configuration, it intersects the geoarch at the third side lobe (when the user terminal is located at 10°642°N).

[0044] Figures 9A and 9B show additional examples of antenna diagrams in the uv coordinate system. Each figure shows various latitudes, including the GEO arch of a user terminal located at latitude 0°740°N, the GEO arch of a user terminal located at latitude 10°742°N, and the GEO arch of a user terminal located at latitude 20°744°N. In these examples, the user terminal antenna is rectangular and has an array of 40 × 20 elements. The antenna can be pointed towards the LEO satellite and is intended to minimize the amount of power radiated toward the GEO arch.

[0045] Figure 9A shows a first configuration in which the antenna is electronically divided into two subarrays. In this embodiment, the orientation of the longer side is set parallel to the GEO arch. Figure 9B shows a second configuration in which the antenna is electronically divided into two subarrays. In this embodiment, the orientation of the longer side is set to be perpendicular to the GEO arch.

[0046] In this example, the second configuration shown in Figure 9B is more convenient because it produces significantly less interference radiated toward the GEO arch compared to the first configuration shown in Figure 9B.

[0047] As used herein, unless otherwise intended by context, the term "joined" is intended to include both direct joining (where two elements are in contact with each other and joined together) and indirect joining (where at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Thus, the terms "joined" and "joined with" are used as synonyms.

[0048] In some embodiments, numerical values ​​representing properties such as the amount and concentration of components, reaction conditions, etc., used to describe and assert specific embodiments of the present invention should be understood to be modified in some cases by the term "approximately." Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters described in the written description and appended claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties to be obtained by the particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be interpreted in light of the number of significant figures reported and by applying common rounding techniques. Although the numerical ranges and parameters described in a broad range of some embodiments of the present invention are approximations, the numerical values ​​described in specific examples are reported as accurately as possible. The numerical values ​​presented in some embodiments of the present invention may include certain errors that inevitably arise from the standard deviation found in each test measurement.

[0049] Unless otherwise intended by the context, all ranges described herein should be interpreted as including their endpoints, and open-ended ranges should be interpreted as including only commercially useful values. Similarly, unless otherwise intended by the context, all lists of values ​​should be considered to include intermediate values.

[0050] As used in this specification and throughout the following claims, “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, as used in this specification, “in” includes both “in” and “on,” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0051] The descriptions of value ranges in this specification are intended solely as abbreviations for referring to each individual value within that range. Unless otherwise stated herein, each individual value having a range is incorporated herein as if it were individually stated herein. All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise stated herein or unless it is clearly inconsistent with the context. Any examples or exemplary language (e.g., "etc.") provided in reference to a particular embodiment of this specification are intended solely to clarify the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention as asserted in other claims. No language in this specification should be construed as indicating an unasserted element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0052] The grouping of alternative elements or embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limitation. Each group member may be referenced and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements described herein. For convenience and / or patentability reasons, one or more members of a group may be included in or removed from a group. In the event of such inclusion or removal, the specifications herein shall be deemed to include the thus modified group and shall satisfy all written descriptions of groups in Markush form used in the appended claims.

[0053] Those skilled in the art will see that many further modifications beyond those already described herein are possible without departing from the concept of the invention as herein. Therefore, the patentable subject matter of the invention is not limited in any way except to the spirit of the appended claims. Furthermore, in interpreting this specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted as broadly as possible, insofar as they are consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the elements, components, or steps referred to may exist, be used, or be combined with other elements, components, or steps not expressly mentioned. Whereever at least one selected from the group consisting of A, B, C…, N is referred to in the claims herein, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from that group, and not A and N, or B and N, etc.

Claims

1. A phased array antenna panel including multiple antenna elements arranged in an array, An electronic device configured to electronically divide the plurality of antenna elements into a first configuration including a first subarray and a second subarray, wherein each of the first subarray and the second subarray includes a subset of the plurality of antenna elements. A communications antenna for an aircraft, including, A communications antenna wherein the electronic device is further configured to reorient the antenna panel by electronically dividing the plurality of antenna elements from the first configuration into a second configuration including a third subarray and a fourth subarray, each of which includes a subset of the plurality of antenna elements.

2. The communication antenna according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of antenna elements include a transmitting element.

3. The communication antenna according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of antenna elements is supplied electronically or by a suitable beamforming network.

4. The communications antenna according to claim 1, wherein the second subarray includes an asymmetrical geometric shape and the beam pattern of the second subarray is asymmetrical.

5. The communications antenna according to claim 4, wherein the fourth subarray includes an asymmetric geometric shape and the beam pattern of the fourth subarray is asymmetric.

6. The communication antenna according to claim 5, wherein the beam pattern of the fourth subarray is rotated with respect to the beam pattern of the second subarray.

7. The communication antenna according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is further configured to reorient the antenna panel by electronically changing the phase shift introduced by the subset of the plurality of antenna elements of the third subarray and the fourth subarray.

8. The communication antenna according to claim 1, wherein the first subarray and the second subarray include a separate combination network arranged in parallel.

9. The communication antenna according to claim 1, wherein each of the first subarray and the second subarray is configured to point in different directions.

10. The communication antenna according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to dynamically reset the orientation of the antenna panel.

11. A method for electronically resetting the orientation of an analog phased array antenna having electronic equipment, A partitioning step of using the processor of the electronic device to electronically partition a plurality of antenna elements of the phased array antenna panel of the antenna into a first configuration including a first subarray and a second subarray, wherein each of the first subarray and the second subarray includes a subset of the plurality of antenna elements. The processor divides the plurality of antenna elements by electronically changing the phase shift introduced by the subset of the plurality of antenna elements in each of the first subarray and the second subarray, A resetting step for electronically resetting the orientation of the phased array antenna panel from the first configuration to a second configuration including a third subarray and a fourth subarray, wherein the third subarray and the fourth subarray each include a subset of the plurality of antenna elements different from the first subarray and the second subarray, A resetting step in which the processor electronically changes the phase shift introduced by the subset of the plurality of antenna elements in each of the third subarray and the fourth subarray, thereby electronically resetting the orientation of the phased array antenna panel to the second configuration. Methods that include...

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of antenna elements include a transmitting element.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of antenna elements is supplied electronically or by a suitable beamforming network.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the second subarray includes an asymmetric geometric shape and the beam pattern of the second subarray is asymmetric.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the fourth subarray includes an asymmetric geometric shape and the beam pattern of the fourth subarray is asymmetric.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the beam pattern of the fourth subarray is rotated with respect to the beam pattern of the second subarray.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein the antenna includes a communications antenna positioned on an aircraft.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the orientation of the phased array antenna panel is dynamically reset electronically during the flight of the aircraft.

19. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first subarray and the second subarray include a separate combinatorial network arranged in parallel.

20. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first subarray and the second subarray are configured to point in different directions.

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