Patent ID: 7508343
Filing Date: 2009-03-24
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
1. A switched beam forming network comprising an antenna array and an integral beam forming network configured to selectively provide directional and omnidirectional antenna radiation patterns, wherein said integral beam forming network further includes: four 90-degree hybrids being serially interconnected to form a 4×4 hybrid matrix, the hybrid matrix being operable to receive and transmit signals through antenna monopoles and configured to selectively switch between directional and omnidirectional operation; at least four antenna terminals that connect the hybrid matrix to the antenna monopoles; four input/output ports configured to connect the hybrid matrix to a transmit/receive network through connecting lines; a plurality of switches that are selectively actuatable to form the beam forming network; wherein a 180-degree phase shifter is electrically coupled between an input/output port associated with one of the 90-degree hybrids and a first one of the antenna terminals; wherein the 180-degree phase shifter, switched on a first 180-degree phase position, provides a progressive 90-degree phase shift for the four antenna terminals and creates an omnidirectional antenna radiation pattern with activation of only one of the input/output ports; and wherein the 180-degree phase shifter, switched on a second bypass position, creates a directional antenna radiation pattern with alternate activation of the four input/output ports.