Patent ID: 6809694
Filing Date: 2004-10-26
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
A dynamically variable beamwidth and variable azimuth scanning antenna comprising:a plurality of spaced-apart, active radiating columns each including a dual dipole element, the plurality of radiating columns collectively defining both first and second beamwidths, as well as first and second azimuth scan angles corresponding to respective first and second polarizations of the dual dipole elements, wherein the respective beamwidths and azimuth scan angles correlate to phase shifts between a respective feed node and each radiating column of the plurality of columns; and a plurality of continuously adjustable, remotely controlled mechanical phase shifters grouped in pairs, one pair per each column, each phase shifter of a phase shifter pair correlating to one of the respective first and second polarizations and being juxtaposed between a respective radiating column and the respective feed node, wherein each phase shifter of the phase shifter pair is independently operable to vary the phase shift for the one respective polarization between each respective radiating column of the plurality of radiating columns and the feed node to thereby vary at least one of the respective beamwidths and the respective azimuth scan angles defined by the plurality of active radiating columns.