Patent ID: 6016122
Filing Date: 2000-01-18
Classification: H01P,H01Q

Abstract:
A phased array antenna comprising:a plurality of transmission line (T-line) arrays, wherein said plurality of T-line arrays comprises a plurality of antenna elements deposited on a first surface of said plurality of T-line arrays, at least one ground plane surface fabricated within at least one of said plurality of T-line arrays, a plurality of second plates deposited on a second surface of said plurality of T-line arrays, and a plurality of T-lines, wherein said plurality of antenna elements is coupled to said plurality of second plates using at least one of said plurality of T-lines;a distribution network coupled to at least one of said plurality of T-line arrays; anda plurality of actuator arrays coupled to said plurality of T-line arrays, said plurality of actuator arrays comprising a plurality of first plates coupled to a plurality of piezoelectric actuators, said plurality of piezoelectric actuators being coupled to a plurality of reference surfaces, said plurality of first plates being coupled to said plurality of second plates using at least one dielectric material, wherein a first amount of capacitance is established between a first plate and a second plate, said first amount of capacitance causing a first amount of phase shift,wherein said plurality of antenna elements is configured into at least one I by J array, said plurality of first plates and said plurality of second plates are configured into at least one K by L array of voltage variable capacitors, wherein I, J, K, and L are positive integers, and wherein a voltage variable capacitor comprises at least one first plate, at least one second plate, and at least one piezoelectric actuator.