Patent ID: 9054414
Filing Date: 2015-06-09
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
1. An antenna system, comprising: a reflection system that comprises a reflector having a rotational symmetry with respect to an axis of symmetry; and an electronically steerable planar radiating array having a rotational symmetry with respect to the axis of symmetry, the electronically steerable planar radiating array being arranged in a focal region of the reflection system, wherein a primary radiofrequency beam, oriented in a predefined direction of illumination with respect to the axis of symmetry, radiates towards the reflection system from the electronically steerable planar radiating array and is reflected by the reflection system such that the reflector generates a secondary radiofrequency beam that is transmitted away from the reflector, wherein a region of the reflector is shaped to transmit the secondary radiofrequency beam by reflection in a plurality of directions according to an isoflux distribution that extends from, and is inclusive of, an angle of zero degrees relative to the axis of symmetry to a non-zero maximum angle of transmission relative to the axis of symmetry, wherein at least one of a shape or a size of the region of the reflector prevents transmission of the isoflux distribution of the secondary radiofrequency beam by the reflector from being blocked by the antenna system; and wherein the region of the reflector comprises (i) a first portion that is shaped to direct the secondary radiofrequency beam in first predefined directions of transmission at the non-zero maximum angle of transmission; and (ii) a second portion that extends around the first portion of the reflector and is to direct the secondary radiofrequency beam in second predetermined directions of transmission between the angle of zero degrees and the non-zero maximum angle of transmission as well as at the angle of zero degrees.