Lightweight antenna subpanel having RF amplifier modules embedded in honeycomb support structure between radiation and signal distribution networks
US5907304A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 9, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 25, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01Q21/065
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A modular antenna architecture includes a plurality of joined-together flat, laminate-configured antenna sub-panels, in which RF signal processing (RF amplifier) modules are embedded within a very lightweight, honeycomb-configured support member, upon which respective antenna sub-array and control, power and beam steering signal distribution networks are respectively mounted. The thickness of the honeycomb-configured support member-embedded is sized relative to the lengths of the RF signal processing modules such that input/output ports at opposite ends of the RF modules are substantially coplanar with conductor traces on the front and rear facesheets, so that the RF modules provide the functionality of RF feed-throughs to provide RF signal coupling connections between the rear and front facesheets of the antenna sub-panel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.