Patent ID: 6469677
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
An apparatus for reconfiguring antenna elements in a reconfigurable antenna array, the antenna elements spaced apart by gaps and the apparatus comprising:a plurality of micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switches positioned proximate the gaps between the antenna elements and operable to make electrical connection between adjacent antenna elements across the gaps; a plurality of optically controlled switch control circuits, one of the plurality of the switch control circuits coupled to each MEMS switch; a superstrate positioned above the antenna elements at a predetermined distance therefrom and incorporating an optical waveguide network including a plurality of switch control waveguides, each of the waveguides coupled to a corresponding at least one of the plurality of switch control circuits for controlling at least one corresponding switch; and an optical energy supply for providing optical energy to particular switch control waveguides within the integrated optical waveguide network to control selected MEMS switches and thereby control the electrical connection of adjacent antenna elements.