Norman West Johnson

US Patent:

49806912, Dec 25, 1990

Filed:

May 18, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/353431

Inventors:

Steven H. Rigg - Norcross GA
Jeffrey A. Leddy - Alpharetta GA
Norman E. Johnson - Duluth GA

Assignee:

Electromagnetic Sciences, Inc. - Norcross GA

International Classification:

H01Q 322
H01Q 324
H01Q 326

US Classification:

342372

Abstract:

A distributed parallel processing architecture for electronically steerable multi-element RF array antennas provides real time rapid array updates with decreased hardware cost and complexity. The array is subdivided into plural sub-arrays (each sub-array has more than one RF radiating element) and a phase shift interface electronics ("PIE") device is provided for each sub-array. Parameters specific to the RF elements within the sub-arrays are preloaded into the corresponding PIE. Pointing angle and rotational orientation parameters are broadcasted to the PIEs, which then calculate, in parallel and in a distributed processing manner, the phase shifts associated with the various elements in their corresponding sub-arrays. Linearization, phase compensation for various factors (e. g. , operating frequency, measured characteristics of individual RF elements, feed line delay to individual elements, etc.