Patent ID: 6075498
Filing Date: 2000-06-13
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A surface wave directional detection system for determining the direction in which an electromagnetic wave propagating along a metallic surface is travelling, comprising:at least a first loop probe disposed in close proximity to the metallic surface;at least a second loop probe disposed in close proximity to the metallic surface and spaced apart from the first loop probe a first predetermined distance, wherein an electromagnetic wave travelling along the metallic surface induces a signal in the first and second loop probes;a transmission line having a first probe connection point and a second probe connection point, the first and second loop probes being electrically coupled to the transmission line at the first probe connection point and the second probe connection point, respectively, the first probe connection point and the second probe connection point being separated by a second predetermined distance;at least a portion of the signal induced in the first loop probe being transmitted on the transmission line from the first probe connection point to the second probe connection point, and at least a portion of the signal induced in the second loop probe being transmitted on the transmission line from the second probe connection point to the first probe connection point, the induced signal portions of the first and second loop probes combining to form a first composite signal at the first probe connection point and a second composite signal at the second probe connection point; andmeans for comparing the first composite signal and the second composite signal, the comparing means being responsive to the first and second composite signals and generating an output signal in response to the comparison thereof, the output signal being indicative of the direction of travel of the electromagnetic wave.