Reconfigurable dielectric waveguide antenna
US7151499B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 2005 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 21, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01Q23/00
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A reconfigurable directional antenna for transmission and reception of electromagnetic radiation includes a transmission line aligned with and adjacent to a metal antenna element with an evanescent coupling edge having a selectively variable electromagnetic coupling geometry. The shape and direction of the beam are determined by the selected coupling geometry of the coupling edge, as determined by the pattern of electrical connections selected for physical edge features of the coupling edge. The electrical connections between the edge features are selected by the selective actuation of an array of “on-off” switches that close and open electrical connections between individual edge features. The selection of the “on” or “off” state of the individual switches thus changes the electromagnetic geometry of the coupling edge, and, therefore the direction and shape of the transmitted or received beam. The actuation of the switches may be accomplished under the control of an appropriately-programmed computer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.