Method for maintaining instantaneous bandwidth for a segmented, mechanically augmented phased array antenna
US6356239B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 23, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 23, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01Q3/26
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for positioning an electronically scanned, phased array antenna disposed on a moving platform, such as an aircraft, to enable the antenna to remain pointed at, and track, a geostationary satellite as the moving platform is in motion. The antenna is mounted on a support which is coupled to an output shaft of a motor. The motor is used to rotate the support, and therefore the antenna, as needed to maintain the beam of the antenna directed at the satellite. The support is rotated only after a scan angle of the beam of the antenna exceeds a predetermined maximum scan angle. The degree of rotational movement of the support is further selected to be such that only a minimum number of adjustments to the position of the support are needed to maintain the scan angle of the beam of the antenna within the desired maximum scan angle over a large distance of travel of the aircraft. The invention significantly reduces the frequency of adjustment of the position of the support required to maintain the antenna directed at the desired satellite, and thus significantly reduces wear and tear on the motor without adversely affecting the antenna's ability to track a target satellite…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.