Patent ID: 8976066
Filing Date: 2015-03-10
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
1. A beam-forming antenna comprising: a plurality of arrays of antenna elements, the arrays in the plurality of arrays being arranged parallel to each other in a configuration selected from the group consisting of a cylindrical arc in which each of the arrays in the plurality of arrays is configured as if extending perpendicular to a cylindrical surface, and a conical arc in which each of the arrays in the plurality of arrays is configured as if extending perpendicular to a conical surface; a transmission line electromagnetically coupled to the plurality of arrays, whereby an electromagnetic signal is communicated between the transmission line and each of the antenna elements in each of the plurality of arrays; and binary control means configured for providing digital control of the amplitude of the electromagnetic signal communicated between each of the antenna elements in each of the plurality of arrays and the transmission line in accordance with a set of binary amplitude values, each of which corresponds to one of the antenna elements in each of the plurality of arrays, whereby an amplitude distribution is produced along the plurality of arrays that results in a desired beam direction and shape for the electromagnetic signal without controlled phase-shifting of the electromagnetic signal between the transmission line and the antenna elements.