Patent ID: 6157681
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: H01Q,H03D,H04L

Abstract:
A transmitter system for transmitting a communication signal through an antenna array, said system comprising:a signal processing computer configured to receive an input signal and to generate a data stream that conveys phase and amplitude values which are responsive to said input signal, wherein said signal processing computer is configured so that said phase values describe phase point phase modulation values and beam formation phase offset values;a plurality of direct modulators, wherein each of said direct modulators is adapted to receive a radio frequency (RF) carrier signal, is coupled to said signal processing computer to receive said data stream, and generates a communication signal component that exhibits a frequency substantially equivalent to a frequency of said RF carrier signal, a phase which is responsive to said phase values, and an amplitude which is responsive to said amplitude values; anda plurality of antenna elements arranged so that each direct modulator couples to one of said antenna elements and so that said communication signal components generated by said direct modulators are simultaneously transmitted from said antenna elements and collectively form said communication signal.