Patent ID: 6377558
Filing Date: 2002-04-23
Classification: H01Q,H04B

Abstract:
A transmitter for simultaneously transmitting n different signals in l directive beams, said transmitter comprising:n beamformers receiving n different signals with each beamformer receiving a signal to be transmitted, each of said beamformers having m outputs for each signal to be transmitted, and wherein said n beamformers have an mÃ—n output array; m passive couplers each operatively connected to said n beamformers, wherein each passive coupler has n inputs for receiving said n different signals to be transmitted simultaneously from said n beamformers, each passive coupler having p outputs in phased relationship to one another; and an antenna with an aperture within which a two-dimensional mÃ—p array of radiating elements are disposed, said radiating elements connected to the outputs of the passive couplers and transmitting said n different signals simultaneously in l directive beams, wherein each of said n beamformers receives steering control signals for determining the direction of transmission for each of said directive beams.