Patent ID: 8730104
Filing Date: 2014-05-20
Classification: H01Q,H03F,H04B

Abstract:
1. A programmable wide-band radio frequency feed network for a phased array antenna system, comprising: a plurality of amplifiers adapted for connection to different RF paths of the phased array antenna system; a first digitally controlled single-pole double throw (SPDT) switching array having a plurality of switches, each of the switches having a single pole terminal and two throw terminals, the amplifiers being grouped in pairs, each of the amplifier pairs being connected to a corresponding one of the pole terminals of the first digitally controlled SPDT switching array; a first plurality of phase shifters and a second plurality of phase shifters, the first plurality of phase shifters and the second plurality of phase shifters being configured for operation in different frequency ranges, each of the switches in the first SPDT array having the phase shifter from the first plurality and the phase shifter in the second plurality connected to the two throws of the switch having the amplifier for the corresponding RF path connected to the pole terminal of the switch; a second digitally controlled SPDT switching array, having a plurality of switches, each of the switches having a single pole terminal and two throw terminals, each of the switches in the second array having the two throw terminals connected to the phase shifters in the first and second pluralities of phase shifters having the same RF path, each of the switches in the second array having the pole terminal for the corresponding RF path adapted for connection to a radio component of the phased array antenna system; a digital controller connected to each of the phase shifters, the first digitally controlled SPDT switching array, each of the amplifiers, and the second digitally controlled SPDT switching array, the controller being programmable to adjust the shift applied by each of the phase shifters, to adjust the gain of each of the amplifiers, and to switch between the two throws of each of the switches in the first and second SPDT switch arrays, whereby amplitude and phase adjustments are simultaneously switchable between the different frequency ranges for all RF paths of an RF signal passing through the phased array antenna system; and a programming cable connected to the digital controller for programming the digital controller.