Multipolarized vector sensor array antenna system for search and rescue applications

US10416268B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Alan J. Fenn · Wayland, US
• Beijia Zhang · Cambridge, US
• Peter T. Hurst · Cambridge, US
• Kenneth E. Kolodziej · Lexington, US
• Larry L. Retherford · Merrimack, US
• Christian D. Austin · Medford, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 13, 2016
• Grant date: Sep 17, 2019
• Expiry date: Jul 26, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01Q25/02
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed towards direction finding (DF) systems that can detect and locals a radio frequency (RF) signal (e.g. an emergency beacon) is two dimensions (i.e., azimuth and elevation). In one embodiment, a DF system comprises an array of multipolarized loop antennas coupled to a beamformer which provides monopole, dipole, and loop antenna element modal signals. The DF system may also comprise a multi-channel digital receiver system coupled to the beamformer. The multi-channel digital receiver system is configured to receive modal signals provided thereto from the beamformer which can be used for accurate two-dimensional geolocation of RF signals including, but not limited to, location of RF emergency beacon sources.