Patent ID: 6243052
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: H01Q

Abstract:
A phased array antenna architecture comprising:a generally panel-configured support structure having first and second sides;a spatially periodic generally planar array of tapered pitch helical antenna elements mounted on said first side of said support structure, and being subdivided into a plurality of spatial sections of antenna elements, and oriented such that the antenna elements of said spatially periodic array are spatially aperiodic to a travel path and a normal to said travel path of a target projected onto said generally planar array; andRF circuit components mounted on said second side of said support structure, and being coupled with said spatial sections of said tapered pitch helical antenna elements, said RF circuit components including digitally controlled phase shifters associated with respective ones of said plurality of spatial sections of antenna elements; and whereinsaid support structure is adapted to be physically oriented by a positioning system coupled thereto, said positioning system being operative to selectively control said digitally controlled phase shifters so as to electronically change the direction of the beam pattern of said spatially periodic array of tapered pitch helical antenna elements.