Patent ID: 6100846
Filing Date: 2000-08-08
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
A fixed patch array scanning antenna comprising:a body,a laminate carried by said body and defined by a conductive layer located on an input side of said antenna and a dielectric layer located on an output side of said antenna,a series of spaced apart apertures formed in said laminate conductive layer,a dielectric waveguide carried by said laminate conductive layer to cover said apertures,a set of patches carried by said dielectric layer and positioned to receive an electromagnetic wave input passing through said apertures, anda reflecting conductor movably carried by said body and positioned to form a uniform gap with said waveguide,wherein during operation of said antenna, said electromagnetic wave input is transmitted though said waveguide to pass through said apertures and energize said patches, said energized patches emit electromagnetic energy that combines to form an outwardly projecting beam, and said conductor moves toward and away from said waveguide in said gap to produce phase shifting in said electromagnetic wave in said wave guide that causes said beam to scan in a back-and-forth path of movement.