Patent ID: 12255407

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various examples will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. References made throughout this disclosure relating to specific examples and implementations are provided solely for illustrative purposes but, unless indicated to the contrary, are not meant to limit all implementations.

A phased array antenna (PAA) includes multiple emitters and is used for beamforming in high-frequency RF applications, such as in radar, 5G, or myriad other application. The number of emitters in a PAA can range from a few into the thousands. The goal in using a PAA is to control the direction of an emitted beam by exploiting constructive interference between two or more radiated signals. This is known as “beamforming” in the antenna community.

More specifically, a PAA enables beamforming by adjusting the phase difference between the driving signal sent to each emitter in the array. This allows the radiation pattern to be controlled and directed to a target without requiring any physical movement of the antenna. This means that beamforming along a specific direction is an interference effect between quasi-omnidirectional emitters (e.g., dipole antennas).

The disclosed implementations and examples provide a low-cost Ku-Band electronically-scanning antenna array architecture integrating one or more low-complexity apertures, coupled hybrid patch radiators, and commercial monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) with a low-cost multilayer printed wiring board design known as an antenna integrated printed wired assembly (AIPWA). More specifically, a ring-shaped antenna element (referred to herein as a “ring cell”) is described that provides an ultra-low-cost unit cell antenna element with unique feed structure for an electronically scanning array. The ring element circuit board-like sections and low-dielectric spacers, such as a foam or core structure. A top section of the antenna element includes a layer of dielectric substrate to support a microstrip ring patch radiator. A bottom section has one layer of dielectric substrates to support a ring slot and dual feed lines. The disclosed antenna elements provide high-quality antenna performance over wide frequency bandwidth and up to +/−45 deg 1D scan range as well as dual-linear polarizations and circular polarization.

The ring cells include a unique feed structure for a PAA or other electronically scanning array. The ring cell is composed of circuit board-based sections and a foam spacer. The top section has one layer of dielectric substrate to support a microstrip ring patch radiator. The bottom section has two layers of dielectric substrates to support a ring slot, dual feed lines, and a metallic fence. The disclosed ring cells offer high-quality antenna performance over wide frequency bandwidth and large scan volume. The ring cells also provide dual-linear polarizations or circular polarizations. The disclosed ring cell does not use mechanically moving parts, eliminating much of the complexity and failure points of conventional antenna cells.

The disclosed ring cells may be arranged in an array antenna (e.g., a PAA) that includes multiple ring cells that collectively function as an electronically scanning antenna array beam. Array antennas using the disclosed ring cells may be used in a multitude of real-world applications. For example, airplanes, motorized vehicles, various military systems, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and any devices that use RF signaling may be equipped with array antennas that use the disclosed ring cells. The disclosed ring cells and antenna arrays provide electronically scanning antenna systems that dramatically reduce both integration costs due to the low-profile design and the use of affordable off-the-shelf materials.

Traditionally, ceramic chip carrier modules are used to interface MMICs with an AIPWB. Such ceramic packages are relatively expensive and require costly manual labor to assemble. Not only that, but the ceramic packages also use bulky and complex waveguide radiators that add lamination steps and extra layers to the AIPWB. The waveguide radiators require a costly and complex wide angle impedance matching (WAIM) structure as an interface between the antenna array and free space. Unfortunately, this does not meet the cost per element targets for many line-of-sight communication customers.

The disclosed implementations and examples use low-complexity aperture coupled patch radiators, low cost commercial-off-the-shelf surface mount MMICs, and a low cost multilayer printed wiring board stack-up. The low-complexity aperture coupled patch radiators reduce the AIPWB layer count by 50% and remove the WAIM component, without sacrificing antenna RF performance within +/−45 degree elevation scan. The use of low-cost commercial-off-the-shelf MMICs with surface mount integration reduces the cost-per-element of the antenna array by more than a factor of three. The low-cost and reduced complexity multilayer printed wiring board stack-up reduces fabrication costs and opens fabrication to a more diverse supplier base.

The disclosed ring cells are able to send or receive RF signals to and from vehicles and aircraft with an agile electronically-scanning antenna array beam without mechanical moving parts. The antenna elements may be assembled into an antenna array that may be used in a host of applications, such as, for example but without limitation, for radar, sensor, or other applications. The antenna elements provide a high-performance, light-weight, low-profile, and ultra-low-cost solution to meet challenging and evolving mission requirements. Moreover, the disclosed antenna elements are used in the fabrication of integrated and structurally-integrated antennas, specifically in composite sandwich panels due to the minimal use of through-depth vias and connections.

FIG.1illustrates a perspective view of a ring cell100with an electrically conductive fence102(“ring fence”102), according to some of the disclosed implementations. The ring cell100comprises a number of circuit board-based sections. In addition to the electrically conductive fence102, the ring cell100includes a ring patch104, two electrical feed lines106and108, a ring slot110, a top dielectric layer112, a top adhesive layer114, a foam layer116, an upper internal adhesive layer118, an internal metal layer120, a middle dielectric layer122, and a bottom dielectric layer122. In some implementations, the foam layer116comprises a foam layer that separates the ring patch104from the ring slot110, and is thus referred to herein as the “foam layer”116. In some examples, the various dielectric layers112,122, and126are printed circuit boards (PCBs). Moreover, the ring patch104may be formed, etched, or adhered to the foam layer114to hold the ring patch104in place.

The electrically conductive fence102includes one or more metallic (or otherwise conductive) walls. An alternative design shown inFIG.4replaces the metallic walls with a circular pattern of electrical vias.

More specifically, the horizontal top section of the ring cell100includes the top dielectric layer112that supports the ring patch104below and also serves as an environmental shield against corrosion. The ring patch104includes a cutout hole that reduces the resonance frequency of the patch and allows a smaller outside diameter, which is desirable for mutual coupling reduction and avoidance of over-emphasis of broadside antenna gain.

The bottom section of the ring cell100includes two layers of dielectric substrates, the middle dielectric layer122and the bottom dielectric layer126, that collectively support the ring slot110, dual feed lines106and108, and the thin electrically conductive fence102. The feed lines106and108provide electrical supply that excite orthogonal resonant modes in the ring slot110, which, in turn excites orthogonal resonant modes in the ring patch104above for RF signaling. When transmitting RF signals, the electrical feed lines supply the electrical supply (voltage and current) to generate electrical resonance in the ring110that, then, generates the desired RF signal in the ring patch104. When receiving RF signals, the electrical feed lines receive electrical supply induced in the ring110from the ring patch104receiving an RF signal.

The ring slot110and the ring patch104work together to provide a wider impedance bandwidth than either one alone could provide. The ring cell100is thus designed to operate as a hybrid radiator, working in both transmit and receive modes. Alternatively, the ring cell100may operate in just transmit or in just receive mode.

The electrically conductive fence102shields the ring slot110from an RF power distribution network and reduces unwanted mutual coupling with other ring slots110in neighboring ring cells100that are part of an array antenna (e.g., a PAA). The diameter and depth of the electrically conductive fence102are set so that the ring slot110resonates at or near the desired operating frequency band. In some implementations, openings128and130around the electrically conductive fence102allow the feed lines106and108to go inside without being electrically shorted.

The ring patch104and electrically conductive fence102are metallic or otherwise electrically conductive. Electricity is supplied to the ring cell100through the feed lines106and108, causing the ring fence102and ring patch104to operate as a radiating element for generating specific RF signals. Shape-wise, the electrically conductive fence102has a larger diameter than the ring slot110. This allows the ring slot110to be positioned, horizontally, inside the electrically conductive fence102. Though, as can be seen inFIG.2, the ring slot110is positioned vertically above the electrically conductive fence102, at least in some implementations.

The dual electrical feed lines106and108excite orthogonal dual-linear polarizations necessary for some applications. For other applications, a dual or single circular polarization may be required. Alternatively, some implementations include a feed structure using a T-junction divider/combiner (transmit/receive, respectively) and a 90-degree delay line for right-hand circular polarization, which is shown inFIGS.5A and5B. This integrated co-planar feed provides an economical way to achieve optimal polarization performance in the far-field. Left-hand circular polarization can also be realized by moving the L-shaped input line section from the current position to the other side of the V-shaped junction. For improved circular polarization performance over scan, other implementations use a different feed structure that uses a 90-degree hybrid coupler, which is shown inFIGS.6A and6B.

The illustrated ring cells100disclosed herein are shaped in a hexagonal pattern. Yet, other shapes are fully contemplated as well. For instance, the ring cell100may be circular, rectangular, square, or the like. In these non-hexagonal shaped ring cells100, some implementations still use a circular ring patch104, ring slot110, and electrically conductive fence102.

FIG.2illustrates a cut-out side view of the ring cell100with the electrically conductive fence102, according to some of the disclosed implementations. As depicted, the ring patch104is positioned atop the top adhesive layer114and below the dielectric layer112. The foam layer116separates the top adhesive layer114from the ring slot110. Specifically, the foam layer116is positioned between the top adhesive layer114and the upper internal adhesive layer118. The ring slot110is situated within the internal metal layer120. The electrically conductive fence102spans across the middle dielectric layer122, the lower adhesive layer124, and the bottom dielectric layer126.

The disclosed example shows the feed lines106and108being positioned vertically in the upper half of the electrically conductive fence102. Dotted line202shows the vertical middle of the electrically conductive fence102. As can be seen, the feed lines106and108are positioned in upper half204, instead of in lower half206.

FIG.3illustrates a top view of an antenna array300made up of multiple ring cells100a-d, according to some of the disclosed implementations. This illustration shows one example where electrical feed lines106a-dand108a-dof the various ring cells100a-dwith a 90-degree rotation. In other words, feed lines106aand108aare rotated 90 degrees from the positions of feed lines106band108b. This positioning suppress undesirable cross-polarization signal level in the far-field.

An alternative design that does not use the electrically conductive fence102is shown inFIGS.4-6B. Instead of an electrically conductive fence, these alternative implementations form a circular fence using a collection of electrical vias.

Along these lines,FIG.4illustrates a perspective view of a ring cell400with a circular via fence402, according to some of the disclosed implementations. The ring cell400a ring patch404, two electrical feed lines406and408, a ring slot410, a top dielectric layer412, a top adhesive layer414, a foam layer416, an upper internal adhesive layer418, an internal metal layer420, a middle dielectric layer422, and a bottom dielectric layer422. These various components are positioned in the same manner previously discussed ring cell100. Yet, instead of the electrically conductive fence102, the ring cell400includes electrical vias402a-nthat are positioned in a circular pattern around the ring slot410, collectively forming a via fence with numerous openings430-436(though, only four openings are labeled).

Like the ring cell100, the horizontal top section of the ring cell400includes the top dielectric layer412that supports the ring patch404below and also serves as an environmental shield against corrosion. The ring patch404includes a cutout hole that reduces the resonance frequency of the patch and allows a smaller outside diameter, which is desirable for mutual coupling reduction and avoidance of over-emphasis of broadside antenna gain.

The bottom section of the ring cell400includes two layers of dielectric substrates, the middle dielectric layer422and the bottom dielectric layer426, that collectively support the ring slot410, dual feed lines406and408, and the via fence formed by the electrical vias402a-n. The feed lines406and408excite orthogonal resonant modes in the ring slot410, which, in turn excites orthogonal resonant modes in the ring patch404above. The ring slot410and the ring patch404work together to provide a wider impedance bandwidth than either one alone could provide. The ring cell400is thus designed to operate as a hybrid radiator, working in both transmit and receive modes. Alternatively, the ring cell400may operate in just transmit or in just receive mode.

The ring patch404and electrically electrical vias402a-nare metallic or otherwise electrically conductive. Electricity is supplied to the ring cell400through the feed lines406and408, causing the electrical vias402a-nand ring patch404to operate as a radiating element for generating specific RF signals. Shape-wise, the via fence has a larger diameter than the ring slot410. This allows the ring slot410to be positioned, horizontally, inside the electrically conductive fence402.

The via fence created by the electrical vias402a-nalso shield the ring slot410from a power distribution network and reduce unwanted mutual coupling with other ring slots410in neighboring ring cells400that are part of an array antenna (e.g., a PAA). The diameter and depth of the via fence are set so that the ring slot410resonates at or near the desired operating frequency band. In some implementations, the openings around the electrical vias conductive fence102allow the feed lines106and108to go inside without being electrically shorted.

The feed lines406and408being positioned vertically in the upper half of the electrical vias402a-n.

FIGS.5A and5Billustrate perspective and top views, respectively, of the ring cell400with a T-junction delay feed line500, according to some of the disclosed implementations. The T-junction delay feed line500includes two feed lines (shorter feed line502and longer L-shaped feed line504) that extend out from a single input/output (I/O) line506. Feed line504is longer than feed line502for circular polarization formation in the RF signals emitted or received through the ring cell400. These separate feed lines504and506are positioned 90-degrees from each other. While ring cell400design with electrical vias402a-nis shown, the T-junction delay feed line500may be used in the ring cell100with the electrically conductive fence102.

The depicted T-junction delay feed line500provides right-hand circular polarization, supplying optimal polarization in the far-field. Left-hand circular polarization may also be realized by moving the longer L-shaped feed line504from the illustrated position to the other side of the V-shaped junction.

The depicted T-junction delay feed line500may also be used in the ring cell100, instead of the depicted ring cell400. Ring cell400is only shown inFIGS.5A-5Bas one example of a ring cell with the T-junction delay feed line500.

FIGS.6A and6Billustrate perspective and top views, respectively, of the ring cell400with a 90-degree hybrid coupler600, according to some of the disclosed implementations. The hybrid coupler600includes two feed lines602and604and an ellipsoidal (or circular) path line906. In some implementations, feed lines604and606are positioned 90-degrees from each other. The hybrid coupler600includes two terminal ends608and610. End608acts as an input or output of voltage supply, depending on whether the ring cell is transmitting or receiving RF signals. End610is connected to an electrical via612that spans through the bottom dielectric layer426and is electrically coupled to a resistor614. In operation, this hybrid coupler600provides improved circular polarization performance.

The depicted hybrid coupler600may also be used in the ring cell100, instead of the depicted ring cell400. Ring cell400is only shown inFIGS.6A-6Bas one example of a ring cell with the hybrid coupler600.

FIG.7illustrates a block diagram of an antenna system700for an antenna array702made up of the disclosed ring cells100a-nin this disclosure. In this example, the antenna system700includes a power supply702, a controller704, and the antenna array702. In this example, the antenna array702is a phased array antenna (“PAA”) that includes a plurality of the ring cells102a-nthat operate either transmit and/or receive modules. Ring cells100a-ninclude corresponding radiation elements that in combination are capable of transmitting and/or receiving RF signals. For example, the ring cells100a-nmay be configured to operate within a K-band frequency range (e.g., about 20 GHz to 40 GHz for NATO K-band and 18 GHz to 26.5 GHz for IEEE K-band).

The power supply704is a device, component, and/or module that provides power to the controller706in the antenna system700. The controller706is a device, component, and/or module that controls the operation of the antenna array702. The controller706may be a processor, microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (“DSP”), or other type of device that may either be programmed in hardware and/or software. The controller706controls the electrical feed supplies provided to the antenna array702, including, without limitation calibrating particular polarization, voltage, frequency, and the like of the electrical feeds. Only one line is shown between the controller706and the antenna array702for the sake of clarity, but in reality, several electrical connections and supply lines may connect the controller706to the antenna array702.

In some implementations, the controller706supplies the particular electrical feeds to the various ring cells100a-nin order to create numerous RF signals that combine, either constructively or destructively, to form a desired cumulative RF signal for transmission.

RF signals emitted from each ring cell100a-nin the array antenna702may be in phase so as to constructively produce intense radiation or out of phase to destructively create a particular RF signal. Direction may be controlled by setting the phase shift between the signals sent to different ring cells100a-n. The phase shift may be controlled by the controller706placing a slight time delay between signals sent to successive ring cells100a-nin the array.

The antenna system700is described as being in signal communication with each other, where signal communication refers to any type of communication and/or connection between the circuits, components, modules, and/or devices that allows a circuit, component, module, and/or device to pass and/or receive signals and/or information from another circuit, component, module, and/or device. The communication and/or connection may be along any signal path between the circuits, components, modules, and/or devices that allows signals and/or information to pass from one circuit, component, module, and/or device to another and includes wireless or wired signal paths. The signal paths may be physical, such as, for example, conductive wires, electromagnetic wave guides, cables, attached and/or electromagnetic or mechanically coupled terminals, semi-conductive or dielectric materials or devices, or other similar physical connections or couplings. Additionally, signal paths may be non-physical such as free-space (in the case of electromagnetic propagation) or information paths through digital components where communication information is passed from one circuit, component, module, and/or device to another in varying digital formats without passing through a direct electromagnetic connection.

This antenna system700provides a means to send (or receive) RF signals to (or from) airborne/mobile vehicles with an agile electronically scanning antenna array beam without mechanical moving parts. The antenna system700can be used in communications systems and other applications, including, without limitation, for radar/sensor, electronic warfare, military applications, mobile communications, and the like. The antenna system700provides a high-performance, light-weight, low-profile and affordable solution to meet challenging and evolving mission requirements.

FIG.8illustrates a perspective view of an aircraft having an antenna array702according to various implementations of the present disclosure. The aircraft800includes a wing802and a wing804attached to a body806. The aircraft800also includes an engine808attached to the wing802and an engine810attached to the wing804. The body806has a tail section812with a horizontal stabilizer814, a horizontal stabilizer816, and a vertical stabilizer818attached to the tail section812of the body806. The body806in some examples has a composite skin820.

In some examples, the previously discussed antenna system700, which includes the disclosed ring cells100in an antenna array702or just the ring cells100individually, may be included onto or in the aircraft800. This is shown inFIG.8with a dotted box. The antenna system700may be positioned inside or outside of the aircraft700.

The illustration of the aircraft800is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which an illustrative configuration may be implemented. For example, although the aircraft800is a commercial aircraft, the aircraft800can be a military aircraft, a rotorcraft, a helicopter, an unmanned aerial vehicle, or any other suitable aircraft. Other vehicles are possible as well, such as, for example but without limitation, an automobile, a motorcycle, a bus, a boat, a train, or the like.

Traditionally, ceramic chip carrier modules are used to interface MMICs with an AIPWB. Such ceramic packages are relatively expensive and require costly manual labor to assemble. Not only that, but the ceramic packages also use bulky and complex waveguide radiators that add lamination steps and extra layers to the AIPWB. The waveguide radiators require a costly and complex wide angle impedance matching (WAIM) structure as an interface between the antenna array and free space. Unfortunately, this does not meet the cost per element targets for many line-of-sight communication customers.

The disclosed implementations and examples use low-complexity aperture coupled patch radiators, low cost commercial-off-the-shelf surface mount MMICs, and a low cost multilayer printed wiring board stack-up. The low-complexity aperture coupled patch radiators reduce the AIPWB layer count by 50% and remove the WAIM component, without sacrificing antenna RF performance within +/−45 degree elevation scan. The use of low-cost commercial-off-the-shelf MMICs with surface mount integration reduces the cost-per-element of the antenna array by more than a factor of three. The low-cost and reduced complexity multilayer printed wiring board stack-up reduces fabrication costs and opens fabrication to a more diverse supplier base.

The disclosed ring cells are able to send or receive RF signals to and from vehicles and aircraft with an agile electronically-scanning antenna array beam without mechanical moving parts. The antenna elements may be assembled into an antenna array that may be used in a host of applications, such as, for example but without limitation, for radar, sensor, or other applications. The antenna elements provide a high-performance, light-weight, low-profile, and ultra-low-cost solution to meet challenging and evolving mission requirements. Moreover, the disclosed antenna elements are used in the fabrication of integrated and structurally-integrated antennas, specifically in composite sandwich panels due to the minimal use of through-depth vias and connections.

FIG.9illustrates an AIPWB900for the antenna array702that is built with several ring cells100, according to some of the disclosed implementations. AIPWB900includes nine vias (1-9) and various laminations (1, 2, 3), one of which is split into two separate sub-laminations (1A and 1B). Sub-lamination 1A includes layers 1 to 6 and provides control and power routing for MMICs using a single drill step as well as RF interconnects on layer 1. Sub-lamination 1B covers layers 7 to 9 and is an RF a-symmetric stripline, which provides RF distribution across the antenna array702to quad (or other multiplier)-element beamforming MMICs as well as feed structures to the aperture couple patches. The sub-lamination 1B has one drill step for the RF suppression vias used for isolation between radiating structures and the RF distributing network. Lamination 2 may be implemented with a coast-to-coast layer 1-to-layer 9 via as shown inFIG.9, or the electrical join of sub-laminations 1A and 1B can be accomplished with an Ormet paste process as shown inFIG.10. Lamination 3 connects the entire PCB structure with a foam spacer (e.g., foam layer116) and electrically-isolated radiating patches on layer10.

FIG.10illustrates another AIPWB1000for the antenna array702that is built with several ring cells100, according to some of the disclosed implementations. AIPWB1000is an aperture-coupled patch antenna array element that requires no vertical interconnects between radiating layers while still suppressing surface modes across the array and limiting mutual coupling. AIPWB1000dramatically reduced PCB complexity over conventional line-of-sight (LOS) radiator designs. The new aperture coupled patch antenna array element supports a grating lobe free scan volume of +/−45 degrees in elevation over all azimuth angles without any scan blindness. Using the AIPWB1000, the antenna array702may be pushed to scan beyond 45 degrees; however, steeper gain roll-off is expected when operating in these scan regions.

In some implementations, the antenna array702uses a mature and full-featured commercial-off-the-shelf half-duplex phased-array chipset. Such chipset, in some examples, is operational from 8-16 GHz. In some implementations, the chipset consists of two land grid array (LGA) MMICs: a quad-element SiGe beamformer and a RF frontend IC consisting of a low-noise amplifier (LNA) with a single pole double throw (SPTD) switch.

FIG.11illustrates a schematic diagram of a conventional sixteen-ring cell subarray antenna1100using one type of beamformer and frontend integrated circuit (IC), according to some implementations. A quad element beamformer is shown, but any beamformer may be used. The sixteen-ring cell subarray antenna1100multiple antenna arrays702that have various ring cells100/400. A single four-wire serial peripheral interface (SPI) bus controls the 16-element subarray. In some implementations, these sixteen-ring cell subarray antenna1100sare tiled together in a PCB panel to produce any 16n element array where n is an integer greater than1. The sixteen-ring cell subarray antenna1100is MMIC agnostic and can be easily altered to fit a different commercial-off-the-shelf MMIC chipset.

FIG.13illustrates a block diagram of a transmit/receive antenna array1300for LOS applications, according to some of the disclosed implementations. In some implementations, the antenna array1400functions as a 256-element transmit/receive half-duplex antenna, operating in transmit or receive mode for half the time. Specifically, the antenna array1300includes a radiator block1301, a transmit/receiver (T/R) amplifier block1302, a beamformer block1304, and a distribution network block1306. The radiator block1301includes a dual-linear polarization patch antenna with two perpendicularly placed antenna elements: horizontal element1308and vertical element1310. The T/R amplifier block1302includes a power amplifier1312, a front-end switch1314, and a low-noise amplifier1316. The beamformer block1304includes a driver amplifier1318, seven-bit equivalent (or other) phase shifters1320and1328, variable operational amplifiers (op amps)1322and1326, a backed-end switch1324, and a low-noise amplifier1328. The beamformer block1304may take the form of a dual, quad, or other multiple element beamformer. The distribution block1406includes a splitter1330and an RF port1332, the latter for receiving an RF input for transmission or directing a received RF input that has been received.

The front-end switch1314and the back-end switch1324are controlled to selectively configure the antenna array1400in transmit or receive modes. The depicted example shows the antenna array1400in transmit mode. Alternatively, front-end switch1314and the back-end switch1324may both be switched to their other throws for receive mode.

When operating in the transmit mode, the RF input1432is received and broken into64different ways by splitter1330. This 64-way broken signal is passed through the back-end switch1324to the op amp1322, phase shifter1320, and power amplifier1312before being supplied through the front-end switch1314to the radiator block1301where the RF signal is transmitted.

When operating in the receive mode, an RF input is received at the radiator block1301. This received RF signal is passed through the front-end switch1314to the low-noise amplifiers1316and1328, the phase shifter1328, and the power amplifier1326. The amplified RF signal is then provide through the back-end switch1320, through the splitter1330, and out the RF port1332.

The following clauses describe further aspects of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the clauses described below can be further combined in any sub-combination without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Clause Set A:

A1: A system, comprising:a distribution block configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal and split the RF signal a plurality of ways;a beamformer block configured to receive and amplify the split RF signal; anda radiator block configured to transmit the RF signal.

A2: The system of claim 1, wherein the radiator block comprises at least one ring cell comprising:a plurality of dielectric layers comprising a top dielectric layer, a middle dielectric layer, and a bottom dielectric layer;a ring patch positioned in the top dielectric layer;a foam layer between the top dielectric layer and the middle dielectric layer;a ring slot position between the foam layer and the middle dielectric layer;an electrically conductive fence positioned below and supporting the ring slot, the electrically conductive fence spanning through the bottom dielectric layer; andelectrical feed lines supplying electrical feed to generate electrical resonance in the ring slot for producing the RF signal in the ring patch.

A3: The system of claim A2, wherein the electrical feed lines are co-planar to the electrically conductive fence in an upper half of the electrically conductive fence toward the top dielectric layer.

A4: The system of claim A2, further comprising a plurality of adhesives that are affixed to the plurality of dielectric layers.

A5: The system of claim A2, wherein the ring patch is positioned below the top dielectric layer and above the foam layer.

A6: The system of claim A2, wherein the foam layer comprises a honeycomb foam.

A7: The system of claim A1, wherein the radiator block comprises at least one ring cell comprising:a plurality of dielectric layers comprising a top dielectric layer, a middle dielectric layer, and a bottom dielectric layer;a ring patch positioned in the top dielectric layer;a foam layer between the top dielectric layer and the middle dielectric layer;a ring slot position between the foam layer and the middle dielectric layer;an electrically conductive fence positioned below and supporting the ring slot, the electrically conductive fence spanning through the bottom dielectric layer; anda T-junction delay feed line for supplying electrical feed to generate electrical resonance in the ring slot for producing the RF signal in the ring patch

A8: The ring cell of claim A7, wherein the T-junction delay feed line comprises an L-shaped feed line and a second feed line.

A9: The ring cell of claim A8, wherein the L-shaped feed line is longer than the second feed line.

A10: The ring cell of claim A8, wherein the L-shaped feed line and the second feed line extend from a single feed line.

A11: The ring cell of claim 7, wherein the foam layer comprises a honeycomb foam.

A12: The ring cell of claim A7, wherein the ring patch is positioned below the top dielectric layer and above the foam layer.

A13: The ring cell of claim A7, wherein the ring patch is attached to an adhesive layer atop the foam layer.

A14: The system of claim A1, wherein the radiator block comprises at least one ring cell comprising:a plurality of dielectric layers comprising a top dielectric layer, a middle dielectric layer, and a bottom dielectric layer;a ring patch positioned in the top dielectric layer;a foam layer between the top dielectric layer and the middle dielectric layer;a ring slot position between the foam layer and the middle dielectric layer; andan electrically conductive fence positioned below and supporting the ring slot, the electrically conductive fence spanning through the bottom dielectric layer; anda hybrid coupler for supplying electrical feed to generate electrical resonance in the ring slot for producing the RF signal in the ring patch.

A15: The ring cell of claim A14, wherein the hybrid coupler comprises two feed lines and an ellipsoidal feed path line.

A16: The system of claim A14, wherein the hybrid coupler comprises two feed lines and a circular feed path line.

A17: The system of claim A14, wherein the hybrid coupler comprises an electrical via that extends through the bottom dielectric layer and is electrically coupled to a resistor.

A18: The system of claim A1, wherein the radiator block comprises at least one ring cell comprising:a plurality of dielectric layers comprising a top dielectric layer, a middle dielectric layer, and a bottom dielectric layer;a ring patch positioned in the top dielectric layer;a foam layer between the top dielectric layer and the middle dielectric layer;a ring slot position between the foam layer and the middle dielectric layer;electrical vias spanning through the bottom dielectric layer; andelectrical feed lines supplying electrical feed to generate electrical resonance in the ring slot for producing the RF signal in the ring patch.
Clause Set B:

B1: A system, comprising:a distribution block configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal and split the RF signal a plurality of ways, the distribution block comprising a splitter for splitting the RF signal;a beamformer block configured to receive and amplify the split RF signal, the beamformer block comprising a back-end switch to direct the split RF signal to one or more amplifiers and a phase shifter;a transmit/receive amplifier block comprising a front-end switch for directing the amplified split RF signal to an antenna array of ring cells; anda radiator block comprising the antenna array configured to transmit the RF signal through the ring cells.

B2: The system of claim B1, wherein the radiator block comprises at least one ring cell comprising:a plurality of dielectric layers comprising a top dielectric layer, a middle dielectric layer, and a bottom dielectric layer;a ring patch positioned in the top dielectric layer;a foam layer between the top dielectric layer and the middle dielectric layer;a ring slot position between the foam layer and the middle dielectric layer;electrical vias spanning through the bottom dielectric layer; andelectrical feed lines supplying electrical feed to generate electrical resonance in the ring slot for producing the RF signal in the ring patch.

B3: The system of claim B1, wherein the radiator block comprises at least one ring cell comprising:a plurality of dielectric layers comprising a top dielectric layer, a middle dielectric layer, and a bottom dielectric layer;a ring patch positioned in the top dielectric layer;a foam layer between the top dielectric layer and the middle dielectric layer;a ring slot position between the foam layer and the middle dielectric layer;an electrically conductive fence positioned below and supporting the ring slot, the electrically conductive fence spanning through the bottom dielectric layer; andelectrical feed lines supplying electrical feed to generate electrical resonance in the ring slot for producing the RF signal in the ring patch.
Clause Set C:

C1: A system, comprising:a radiator block configured to receive an RF signal;a transmit/receive amplifier block comprising a front-end switch for directing the amplified split RF signal from the radiator block to a low-noise amplifier;a beamformer block configured to receive RF signal from the low-noise amplifier and direct the RF signal to one or more amplifiers, a phase shifter, and then through a back-end switch; anda distribution block configured to receive the RF signal from the back-end switch and direct the RF signal out of an RF port.

C2: The system of claim C1, wherein the radiator block comprises at least one ring cell comprising:a plurality of dielectric layers comprising a top dielectric layer, a middle dielectric layer, and a bottom dielectric layer;a ring patch positioned in the top dielectric layer;a foam layer between the top dielectric layer and the middle dielectric layer;a ring slot position between the foam layer and the middle dielectric layer;electrical vias spanning through the bottom dielectric layer; andelectrical feed lines supplying electrical feed to generate electrical resonance in the ring slot for producing the RF signal in the ring patch.

C3: The system of claim C1, wherein the radiator block comprises at least one ring cell comprising:a plurality of dielectric layers comprising a top dielectric layer, a middle dielectric layer, and a bottom dielectric layer;a ring patch positioned in the top dielectric layer;a foam layer between the top dielectric layer and the middle dielectric layer;a ring slot position between the foam layer and the middle dielectric layer;an electrically conductive fence positioned below and supporting the ring slot, the electrically conductive fence spanning through the bottom dielectric layer; andelectrical feed lines supplying electrical feed to generate electrical resonance in the ring slot for producing the RF signal in the ring patch.

C4: The system of claim C1, wherein the beamformer block comprise a quad element beamformer.

C5: The system of claim C1, wherein the beamformer block comprise a dual element beamformer.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one implementation or may relate to several implementations. The implementations are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. It will further be understood that reference to ‘an’ item refers to one or more of those items.

The term “comprising” is used in this disclosure to mean including the feature(s) or act(s) followed thereafter, without excluding the presence of one or more additional features or acts.

In some examples, the operations illustrated in the figures may be implemented as software instructions encoded on a computer readable medium, in hardware programmed or designed to perform the operations, or both. For example, aspects of the disclosure may be implemented as an ASIC, SoC, or other circuitry including a plurality of interconnected, electrically conductive elements.

The order of execution or performance of the operations in examples of the disclosure illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and examples of the disclosure may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of the disclosure.

When introducing elements of aspects of the disclosure or the examples thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. The term “exemplary” is intended to mean “an example of” The phrase “one or more of the following: A, B, and C” means “at least one of A and/or at least one of B and/or at least one of C.”

Having described aspects of the disclosure in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of aspects of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of aspects of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. As an illustration, the above-described implementations (and/or aspects thereof) are usable in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications are practicable to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various implementations of the disclosure without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various implementations of the disclosure, the implementations are by no means limiting and are exemplary implementations. Many other implementations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various implementations of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.

This written description uses examples to disclose the various implementations of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the various implementations of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various implementations of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and includes other examples that occur to those persons of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to various implementations, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.