Antenna system with integrated circuit package integrated radiators

An antenna system that includes one or more radiator packages on a first side of an antenna substrate and one or more support packages on a second side of the antenna substrate are provided. Embodiments of the present invention include antenna systems incorporating a plurality of radiator packages on a first side of the antenna substrate and a plurality of support packages on the second side of the antenna substrate. The radiator packages generally include a radiator element and an integrated circuit that are incorporated into a common package. The integrated circuit of the radiator package can comprise an amplifier and/or other electronic components. The support packages generally provide one or more additional electronic components. For example, a support package integrated circuit can provide a phase shifter, amplifier, and/or other electronic components. The antenna substrate generally incorporates electrical conductors for operatively interconnecting each radiator package to at least one support package.

FIELD

The present invention is directed to an antenna system with integrated circuit packages having integrated or associated radiators.

BACKGROUND

Electronic circuits, including electronic circuits used in connection with antenna systems, typically include a number of components. These components can be discrete devices, or provided as part of integrated circuits. Whether provided as discrete devices or integrated circuits, multiple electronic components are often interconnected to one another by placing those components on one or more printed circuit boards. In addition to providing a structural member to which components can be attached, a printed circuit board typically provides electrically conductive lines or traces on one or more layers to conduct radio frequency, power and control signals to and between attached components. When used in connection with implementing complex circuits, the design of the individual circuit boards can become quite complex. In addition, where a large number of components are to be interconnected to a printed circuit board, the area of the board can become quite large, and a relatively large number of layers may be required to provide the necessary connective traces. One consideration in the design of electronic circuits is the size of those circuits. In particular, by making devices smaller, certain performance parameters can be improved, and the devices can be easier to package and transport. Also, it can be desirable to maintain electronic circuitry within size limits that are defined by certain components of a device implemented using the electronic circuitry or a component of that circuitry.

One example of electronic circuitry that can be quite complex, but that is desirably deployed within a relatively small area, is a phased array antenna. In a phased array antenna, multiple antenna elements or radiator elements are deployed across a surface. The size of each radiator element is generally determined by the intended operating frequency or frequencies of the antenna. Furthermore, as more radiator elements are provided, the antenna beam can be more narrowly focused and directed by applying selected phase delays to the signal comprising the beam that is delivered to (or received from) each of the radiator elements. That is, by varying the delay of a signal, the corresponding beam can be scanned along one dimension for a one-dimensional array of radiator elements, and along two-dimensions for a two-dimensional array of radiator elements. In addition, the maximum scanning angle that can be provided by an antenna will increase as the space between radiator elements is decreased. Accordingly, the antenna or radiator elements of a phased array antenna generally occupy an area that is defined by the size of the individual radiator elements, the number of radiator elements, and the spacing between radiator elements.

The size of the radiator elements of a phased array antenna system generally decreases as the operating frequency of the system increases. Because of the limited area defined by the radiator elements in a high frequency system, it has been difficult or impossible to provide adequate space for the support electronics. In particular, the area on the side of the antenna opposite the side on which the array of antenna elements is formed is insufficient to contain the electronic components for the supporting amplifiers and phase shifters. Therefore, in order to provide the area necessary for complex beam forming networks and associated active components for operation at high frequencies, additional circuit boards can be placed behind the board on which the radiator elements are formed. For example, additional circuit boards can be arranged such that they are perpendicular to the board on which the radiator elements are formed. This allows the space available for supporting circuitry to be expanded into three dimensions. However, the volume of such assemblies can become quite large. Moreover, in connection with antennas designed to operate at high frequencies, the small size of the corresponding radiator elements results in there being less area for corresponding support electronics. In addition, the use of multiple circuit boards can result in increased fabrication and assembly costs, as there are a large number of individual boards to which discrete components must be interconnected, and those boards must then be interconnected to one another.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to solving these and other problems and disadvantages of the prior art. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, antenna systems that include one or more radiator packages having at least one integrated radiator and at least one integrated circuit are provided. The radiator packages are interconnected to a first side of an antenna substrate. One or more support packages, which can include support integrated circuits, are interconnected to a second side of the antenna substrate. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an array antenna in which the radiators and all or a relatively large proportion of the associated support electronics are provided on a single circuit board or substrate.

A radiator package in accordance with embodiments of the present invention generally includes a radiator element and an integrated circuit. The radiator element is physically and electrically interconnected to the radiator package integrated circuit. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a radiator package integrated circuit may provide an amplifier. As further examples, a radiator package integrated circuit may comprise a diode limiter, a low noise amplifier, one or more phase shifters, or other radio frequency devices. In addition, a radiator package may include one or more feeds connecting the radiator element to the radiator package integrated circuit. In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, a radiator package may include a plurality of integrated circuits. In accordance with still other embodiments of the present invention, a radiator package may include a plurality of radiator elements and one or more radiator package integrated circuits.

The antenna substrate may provide interconnections between the one or more radiator packages on a first side of the antenna substrate and the one or more support packages on a second side of the antenna substrate. These interconnections can include beam forming networks. In accordance with still other embodiments of the present invention, the antenna substrate may include hybrid circuits.

A support package in accordance with embodiments of the present invention generally includes an integrated circuit. The support package integrated circuit may, for example, include one or more phase shifters. Alternatively or in addition, the support package integrated circuit may include one or more amplifiers. As further examples, the support package integrated circuit may comprise one or more phase shifters, attenuators, limiter diodes, or other radio frequency devices. Moreover, a support package can include more than one support package integrated circuit.

Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, particularly when taken together with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates an antenna system104in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, in an exemplary operating environment. More particularly, the antenna system104illustrated inFIG. 1comprises a phased array antenna system that is capable of forming a number of independent beams108. In the example ofFIG. 1, the beams108formed by the phased array antenna system104are steerable and are used in connection with communications between a platform112with which the phased array antenna system104is associated and various targets116. Although depicted as being deployed on a platform112comprising a ship, it can be appreciated that a phased array antenna system104in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can be deployed in connection with any device or location where multiple signal paths or channels and/or one or more steerable beams are desired. Furthermore, while the example targets116depicted in the figure are shown as space borne satellites or airborne missiles, a target116can comprise any ground, sea, air, or space based device or platform. Also, while the system depicted inFIG. 1has been described as being used for communications, such as for sending or receiving data, telemetry, or control instructions, it can be appreciated that another exemplary use for a phased array antenna system104may include radar systems for identifying and tracking targets. Furthermore, although four antenna beams108are depicted, a phased array antenna system104in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is not limited to any particular number of beams108.

With reference now toFIG. 2A, a first side of an antenna system104in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is depicted. As illustrated, a plurality of radiator packages208comprising one or more antenna elements or radiator elements308are deployed along and interconnected to the surface of an antenna substrate212on a first side204of the antenna substrate212. As can be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the dimensions of the individual radiator elements308may be determined with reference to the operating parameters and/or desired performance of the antenna system104. Likewise, the number and spacing of the radiator elements308can be determined with reference to such parameters. These parameters can include the frequency or frequencies at which the antenna system104operates, the maximum steering angles of the beam or beams produced by the antenna system104, the beam patterns in the far field, and the area available on an associated platform112for the antenna system104.

FIG. 2Billustrates a second side of an antenna system104in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the second side of the antenna system104features a plurality of support packages220that are interconnected to the second side216of the antenna substrate212. The support packages220can provide electronic components that are necessary or desirable in connection with the operation of the antenna system104, such as phase shifters and buffer amplifiers, that are not otherwise incorporated into the radiator packages208. The components provided by the support packages220can but are not required to be in the form of one or more integrated circuits.

FIG. 2Cillustrates the exemplary antenna system104ofFIGS. 2A and 2Bin elevation. In general, the radiator packages208are interconnected to the first side204of the antenna substrate212, while the support packages220are interconnected to the second side216of the antenna substrate212. As depicted inFIG. 2C, the antenna substrate212may comprise a plurality of layers224. More particularly, the antenna substrate212may provide a multilayer structure for supporting electrical interconnections between each radiator package208and at least one support package220. For example, the antenna substrate212can comprise a multilayer printed circuit board. In addition, the layers224of the antenna substrate212may support electrical traces or other conductors that comprise hybrid matching circuits, beam forming networks, or other electrical structures. Therefore, the antenna substrate212provides for electrical connectivity, in addition to physically supporting the radiator packages208and the support packages220.

FIG. 3Aillustrates a first side304of a radiator package208in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As depicted in this exemplary embodiment, the majority of the first surface304of the radiator package208comprises a radiator element308. Also shown inFIG. 3Aare the portions of radiator package substrate or structural layers312that extend beyond the radiator element308, and radiator element feeds316.

FIG. 3Billustrates a second side318of the radiator package208shown inFIG. 3A. The second side318of the radiator package208in this exemplary embodiment features a plurality of pins or contacts320, to support electrical interconnections between the radiator package208and the antenna substrate212in the assembled antenna system104(seeFIGS. 2A-2C). This exemplary embodiment also includes a radiator package ground plane or shield324on the second side318of the radiator package208.

FIG. 3Cillustrates the exemplary radiator package208shown inFIGS. 3A and 3Bin elevation. As can be seen from this figure, the radiator element308lies on top of a number of radiator package substrate layers312. Moreover, as can be appreciated by one of skill in the art after consideration of the present disclosure, the layers312provide a structure and/or volume for the inclusion of one or more integrated circuit elements that support the transmit and/or receive functions of the radiator package208. For example, an integrated circuit412, shown by a dotted line inFIG. 3C, can be contained within the radiator package208. As shown, the radiator element feeds316may extend from the radiator element308to the integrated circuit412. The integrated circuit412can comprise one or more active components, such as amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, and/or limiter diodes, in any number or combination, that are operatively connected to the radiator element308.

FIG. 4is a cross-section of an exemplary radiator package208in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the radiator element308may comprise a planar element that is supported by an upper substrate layer312aon a first side304of the radiator package208. The figure also shows a second or middle antenna substrate layer312b. Another radiator package substrate layer312cis shown on a second side318of the radiator package208. In this exemplary embodiment, the second312band third312cradiator package substrate layers are in the form of a frame such that they define a cavity404that is open on the second side318of the radiator package208. The extent of the cavity404towards the first side304of the radiator package208is bounded by a ground plane or shield324mounted to a side of the first radiator package substrate layer312a, opposite the side of the first radiator package substrate layer312ato which the radiator element is mounted. An integrated circuit chip or radiator package integrated circuit412is interconnected to the ground shield324such that the radiator package integrated circuit412is located within the cavity404. Wire bonds418electrically interconnect the integrated circuit412to the radiator element308and other components, either directly or through traces on one or more radiator package substrate layers312, radiator element feeds316, and/or vias416. As a further example, flip chip interconnects could be used to interconnect devices to traces. As examples and without limitation, the radiator package integrated circuit412may comprise a preamplifier, low noise amplifier, power amplifier, limiter diode, or other electronic circuitry that supports the operation of the radiator element308.

Vias416may extend through one or more of the radiator package substrate layers312, to provide electrical interconnections with components of the radiator package208.

Such interconnections may be between two or more components of the radiator package208, and/or between a component of the radiator package208and other components of the antenna system104. For instance, at least some of the vias416may be terminated at a contact420that is provided for electrically interconnecting the radiator package208to traces on the antenna substrate212. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrical contacts420may comprise solder balls or bump bonds. At least one of the vias416in this exemplary embodiment comprises a radiator element feed316that interconnects the radiator package integrated circuit412to the radiator element308. As can be appreciated by one of skill in the art, signals may be passed between the radiator element308and other circuitry associated with the radiator package208through a direct connection to a conductor or through electromagnetic coupling.

FIG. 5illustrates a radiator package208in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the first radiator package substrate layer312acomprises a support for the radiator element308, but does not extend across the entire area of the radiator element308. Instead, the first radiator package substrate layer312afeatures an open interior area, defining a cavity504. A second radiator package substrate layer312balso features an open interior area, but the perimeter of the second radiator package extends further towards the interior, producing a stepped structure that supports a ground shield408. A third radiator package substrate layer312cfeatures an open interior area that is smaller than the open interior area of the second radiator package substrate layer312b, forming a further step. This further step can include electrical contacts to facilitate wire bonds418between traces formed as part of or on the third radiator package substrate layer312cand a radiator package integrated circuit412. Underlying the third radiator package substrate layer312cand the radiator package integrated circuit412is a fourth radiator package substrate layer312d. Contacts420, which may be part of a ball grid array comprising solder balls or bump bonds, or a quad flat or quad flat no lead package, can be provided on the surface of the fourth radiator package substrate layer312d, for electrically interconnecting the radiator package208to cooperating contacts on the first surface216of the antenna substrate212.

At least two vias416may extend through one or more of the radiator package substrate layers312to interconnect various components. At least one of the vias416in this exemplary embodiment comprise radiator element feeds316. These radiator element feeds316may form at least a portion of an interconnection between the radiator element308and the radiator package integrated circuit412. As shown in this example, in addition to the vias416, the feeds316may include traces formed on a radiator package substrate layer312(e.g., layer312c) and a wire bond418.

FIG. 6illustrates yet another embodiment of a radiator package208in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, the radiator element308and ground shield408are interconnected to a first radiator package substrate layer312a. A second radiator package substrate layer312b, with an open interior area, is interconnected to the side of the first radiator package substrate layer312ato which the ground shield408is also interconnected, forming a shield and radiator package604. This embodiment also includes an integrated circuit package608that comprises a third radiator package substrate layer312cwith an open interior area. The third radiator package substrate layer312cis interconnected to a fourth radiator package substrate layer312dthat generally defines the second side318of the radiator package208. In order to complete the radiator package208, the shield and radiator package604portion is joined to the integrated circuit package608portion via intermediate contacts612. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the intermediate contacts612may comprise solder balls provided as part of a ball grid array (BGA) or surface mount technology (SMT) pads.

FIG. 7illustrates a radiator package208in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, the radiator package substrate layers312are continuous or substantially continuous, such that the layers312do not define a cavity or cavities. The radiator element308is interconnected to the stack of radiator package substrate layers312on the first side304of the radiator package208, while a radiator package integrated circuit412is interconnected to the stack of radiator package substrate layers312on a second side318of the radiator package208. As illustrated, the radiator package integrated circuit412may be contained or potted in an epoxy or other structural material704. Contacts420are provided on the second side318of the radiator package208for electrically interconnecting the radiator package208to the first side216of the antenna substrate212. In addition, vias can extend between layers312, and the layers312can include traces for electrically interconnecting various components or features of the radiator package208.

FIG. 8is a cross-section of a radiator package208in accordance with embodiments of the present invention in which a passive radiator804is provided. In this embodiment, the radiator element308comprising a driven radiator element is electrically interconnected to the radiator package integrated circuit412by one or more vias416, while the passive radiator element804is not directly electrically interconnected to other components of the radiator package208. In addition, the driven radiator element308is covered by one or more radiator package substrate layers312that support the passive radiator element804, and that space the passive radiator element804apart from the driven radiator element308. A ground shield408may be located between the driven radiator element308and the integrated circuit412.

FIG. 9illustrates an embodiment of a radiator package208in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, a passive radiator804is provided that is spaced apart from the driven radiator element308by a hollow structure or spacer904. The driven radiator element308is located on a surface of a radiator package substrate layer312, and is interconnected to a radiator package integrated circuit412by a via416. A ground shield408may be located between the driven radiator element308and the integrated circuit412.

With reference now toFIG. 10, components of at least a portion of an antenna system104in accordance with embodiments of the present invention are depicted in schematic form. More particularly, an antenna system104that includes a radiator package208with separate horizontally polarized and vertically polarized feeds316for the included antenna elements308is depicted. In general, a radiator package208in such embodiments includes a horizontally polarized radiator element feed316aand a vertically polarized radiator element feed316b. In addition, the radiator package208includes a radiator package integrated circuit412that comprises one or more integrated circuit elements. These integrated circuit elements can include active elements, such as one or more low noise amplifiers and/or pre-amplifiers1004associated with each feed316. As a further example, the integrated circuit elements of a radiator package208can include one or more filters1006associated with each radiator element feed316. These can be provided as part of or integral to the radiator package integrated circuit412, or as part of circuitry or components formed elsewhere in the radiator package208and/or the antenna substrate212. In addition, the radiator package208can include multiple radiator package integrated circuits412. For instance, in the illustrated example, the integrated circuit412afor the horizontally polarized signal line and the integrated circuit412bfor the vertically polarized signal line can be separate packages. Alternatively, the integrated circuits412aand412bcan be part of a common, shared integrated circuit412package. As further examples, the integrated circuit or circuits412may comprise power amplifiers, phase shifters, limiters, or other radio frequency devices. The radiator package208additionally provides contacts or pins320for interconnecting the radiator package208to other components.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, each radiator package208is interconnected to an antenna substrate212. For example, the antenna substrate212can include radiator package contact points1008that mate with corresponding contact points320provided by the radiator packages208mounted to the antenna substrate212via bump bonds or other electrical conductors420. In general, the radiator package contact points1008are associated with the first side204of the antenna substrate212. In addition, the antenna substrate212provides electrical conductors1010for interconnecting each radiator package208to other components of the antenna system104. Moreover, these electrical conductors1010can comprise other structures, such as beam forming networks. More particularly, a conductor1010that is interconnected to a radiator element feed316can include or be interconnected to a splitter/combiner1012that operates to interconnect an associated radiator element feed316to a plurality of beam signal lines1016. Accordingly, the antenna system104can support multiple independently steered beams108. The beam signal lines1016may each be associated with a support package contact point1020. Each support package contact point1020may be formed on the second side216of the antenna substrate212.

Interconnected to the support package contact points1020on the second side216of the antenna substrate212are contact points1024provided by or as part of the support packages220. More particularly, support package contact points1020can be connected to the contact points1024provided by the support packages220by bump bonds or other electrical conductors420. In general, the support packages220comprise circuit elements that support operation of the antenna system104. In addition, each support package220may be electrically interconnected to one or more radiator packages208by signal lines (e.g., conductors1010and beam signal lines1016formed on or as part of the antenna substrate212layers). In accordance with alternate embodiments of the present invention, each radiator package208may be associated with a plurality of support packages220. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 10, each beam signal line1016associated with at least the horizontal polarization radiator feed316aor the vertical polarization radiator feed316bfor the antenna element308in this example is interconnected to a phase shifter1028included in an integrated circuit1030provided by the support package220. Moreover, each support package220may incorporate one or more components, such as but not limited to phase shifters, filters, combiners, matching networks, and amplifiers, that are included in one or more integrated circuits1030and/or that are provided as discrete components. A plurality of contact points1032may be provided by the support packages220for operatively interconnecting the phase shifters1028or other components to signal lines1036on the antenna substrate212, via bump bonds or other connections420that establish an electrical connection with matching support package contact points1040on the antenna substrate212. These signal lines1036may comprise or interconnect to splitters/combiners1044provided as part of beam forming networks1048associated with each of the beams. In particular, each of the splitters/combiners1044may be interconnected to a plurality of the radiator elements308of the antenna system104. That plurality of radiator elements308can include all of the antenna system104radiator elements308, or a subset of the radiator elements308of the antenna system104. The splitters/combiners1044additionally provide signal lines1052for each beam that can be connected to a transceiver or other equipment1056for transmitting and/or receiving signals using the antenna system104.

As can be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the antenna substrate212may additionally include conductors or electrically conductive traces for operatively providing power and control signals to the radiator packages208and the support packages220that are interconnected to the antenna substrate212. In addition, although a single antenna element308and a single radiator package208are illustrated inFIG. 10, it should be appreciated that, in an antenna system104comprising a phased array antenna, multiple radiator elements308and multiple radiator packages208will be included. Therefore, a splitter/combiner1044generally provides a plurality of branch signal lines1036that extend to other radiator elements308through support packages220and radiator packages208associated with those other radiator elements308. More particularly, the number of branch signal lines1036for an individual beam supported by the antenna system104is typically equal to the number of radiator elements308associated with that beam, multiplied by the number of polarizations supported by the antenna system. In addition, although the exemplary system illustrated inFIG. 10includes three beams and two polarizations, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any particular number of beams or polarizations.

Embodiments of the present invention provide for an antenna system104that includes components mounted to a single antenna substrate212. In accordance with embodiments of the disclosed invention, the antenna substrate212may comprise a plurality of layers. For example, the antenna substrate212may comprise a multilayer printed circuit board. As can be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the use of a multiple layer circuit board allows for a large number of conductors or traces, enabling complex networks to be formed on or as part of the substrate. In accordance with further embodiments of the disclosed invention, the antenna substrate212may comprise a planar antenna substrate212. In accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention, the antenna substrate may be faceted or curved, for example to provide an antenna system104that conforms to the exterior surface of a platform112with which the antenna system104is associated. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are capable of providing antenna systems104that are compact and relatively inexpensive to produce.

With reference toFIG. 11, aspects of the creation of a multiple beam phased array antenna104in accordance with embodiments of the present invention are depicted. Initially, at step1104, the antenna system104specifications are received. These specifications can include the operating frequency or frequencies of the antenna system, the number of beams to be supported, the degree of steering of those beams, the number of signal polarizations, and the desired far field performance characteristics. From the specifications, the dimensions, configuration, and required number of radiator elements308are determined (step1108).

At step1112, the required number of radiator packages208incorporating the radiator elements308are produced. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the required number of radiator packages208is equal to the number of radiator elements308. More particularly, the required number of radiator packages1112is equal to the number of radiator elements308, where each radiator package208includes one radiator element308. According to other embodiments, there are multiple radiator elements308per radiator package208, in which case the required number of radiator packages208is some fraction of the required number of radiator elements308. Producing the radiator packages208can include, for each radiator package208, forming the radiator element308on the radiator package substrate312surface adjacent the top of the radiator package208(i.e., the substrate surface farthest from the first side204of the antenna substrate212when the radiator package208is connected to the antenna substrate212). Forming the radiator element308can include printing or otherwise depositing a metalized layer on the radiator package substrate312. Producing the radiator package208additionally includes incorporating a radiator package integrated circuit412such that the radiator package integrated circuit412is fixed to the radiator package substrate312and is operatively interconnected to the radiator element308, creating a completed radiator package208. In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, each radiator package208can include a plurality of radiator elements308and/or a plurality of integrated circuits412.

At step1116, the antenna substrate212is produced. In general, the antenna substrate212provides a structure for mechanically and electrically interconnecting the radiator packages208to the support packages220. Accordingly, the antenna substrate212can include a supporting structure and conductors. Where the antenna substrate212comprises a printed circuit board, forming the antenna substrate212includes applying conventional circuit board or printed circuit board techniques for the required signal distribution traces or conductors. In addition, the antenna substrate212generally includes conductors for providing control signals to various components, including amplifiers1004and phase shifters1028, and for distributing power to components, such as amplifiers1004, as necessary. Producing the antenna substrate212also includes providing connection points for operatively interconnecting other elements to the antenna substrate212. For example, radiator package contact points or pads1008are formed on the first side204of the antenna substrate212, and support package contact points or pads1040are formed on the second side216of the antenna substrate212.

At step1120, support packages220are produced. Producing support packages220can include assembling devices that include an integrated circuit1030that provides one or more phase shifters1028that generally operate to form the beams108supported by the antenna system104. Additionally or alternatively, support packages can be produced that incorporate additional structures or devices, such as buffer amplifiers. The number of support packages220required for a particular antenna system104depends on the number of functions and/or components contained within each support package220.

At step1124, a pick and place operation is performed to operatively interconnect the radiator packages208to the first side204of the antenna substrate212. Similarly, at step1128, a pick and place or other assembly operation is performed to operatively interconnect the support packages220to the second side216of the antenna substrate212. In general, after the radiator packages208and the support packages220have been interconnected to the antenna substrate212, the antenna system104is complete. In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, components required for operation of the antenna system104, such as power supply or transceiver equipment or electronics1056, must be interconnected to the antenna system104before the antenna system104is operational. Accordingly, at step1132, the antenna system104can be interconnected to a platform112and to transceiver electronics1056. The process of creating an antenna system104may then end. Although steps described in connection with creating an antenna system104have been set forth in a particular order, it should be appreciated that different orderings of the steps are possible.

With reference now toFIGS. 12A and 12B, an antenna system104in accordance with still other embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. In this example, the radiator elements308are formed directly on the surface comprising a first side204of the antenna substrate212. A support package220comprising one or more integrated circuits412and/or1030is interconnected to the second side216of the antenna substrate212. As illustrated, a single support package220may support multiple radiator elements308. For example, one support package220may be interconnected to four radiator elements308. In accordance with still other embodiments, different support packages220performing different functions may be interconnected to one or more radiator elements308in common.

With reference now toFIG. 13, a radiator package208in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention is illustrated in plan view. In this embodiment, the radiator package208includes a plurality of radiator elements308. As with other embodiments, the radiator package208may comprise multiple integrated circuits412that provide functions in support of the operation of the radiator package208.

FIGS. 14A and 14Billustrate an antenna system104in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention. In the example illustrated inFIGS. 14A and 14B, each radiator package208includes a plurality of radiator elements308. In addition, A single support package220supports multiple radiator packages208. For instance, and without limitation, each support package220included in the antenna system104can support four radiator packages208. Although a single support package220and a set of four radiator packages208are illustrated, an antenna system104in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can include multiple sets of radiator packages208and support packages220interconnected to first204and second216sides of an antenna substrate212respectively.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, as further examples, the radiator packages208may comprise monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) with operating frequencies in excess of 10 GHz, and can have integrated matching networks. The radiator package integrated circuits412may be formed from gallium arsenide (GaAs) and other type III/V semiconductors, with operating frequencies of up to 44 GHz. The radiator package integrated circuits may also comprise silicon germanium (SiGe) semiconductors and other type IV semiconductors. The radiator packages208typically have dimensions of 2 to 6 mm per side in plan view, and a height of 0.030 inches to 0.060 inches. The radiation package208layers312can be comprised of pre-preg, exclusively or in combination with non pre-preg layers, or cured material layers. The layers312may also include metalized layers that can be etched to provide conductive traces. The vias416may comprise plated holes. The support packages220can comprise GaAs phase shifters, SiGe phase shifter integrated circuits or other phase shifter integrated circuits that each support any number of channels. For example, the support packages can support 4 to 16 channels with phase and amplitude control. The support packages220can additionally include buffer/driver amplifiers in the same or in different packages as the support packages220providing the phase shifters1028. Embodiments of the described invention can be used to provide phased array antennas operating at high frequencies, such as at the X, Ku, K, Ka and Q-bands. For example, an antenna system104for operation at 20 GHz can include radiator elements308having an area of 0.3 inches by 0.3 inches, and a single radiator packages integrated circuit412. For antenna systems104operational at lower frequencies, the additional available area can allow for additional radiator package integrated circuits412as part of each radiator package208. For example, an antenna system operating an X band might feature radiator elements308having an area of 0.6 inches by 0.6 inches, and a plurality of radiator package integrated circuits412in each radiator package208. In addition, an antenna system104in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can scan by different amounts in different directions, or can be non-scanning. For example, full scan in one direction and a ½ scan in another direction can be provided. Moreover, a phase shifter can be associated with some, but not all of the radiator elements, for example where the antenna system104is designed to provide a ±5° scan.