Phased array antenna architecture

US7889135B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Bruce L. Blaser · Auburn, US
• Peter T. Heisen · Kent, US
• Richard N. Bostwick · North Bend, US
• John B. O'Connell · Seattle, US
• Stephen L. Fahley · Renton, US
• Julio A. Navarro · Kent, US
• Mark R. Davis · Bellevue, US
• Harold Peter Soares, Jr. · Tacoma, US
• Scott A. Raby · Redmond, US
• Jimmy S. Takeuchi · Mercer Island, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 19, 2007
• Grant date: Feb 15, 2011
• Expiry date: May 31, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01Q21/0037
• WIPO field: Telecommunications
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

An antenna array core comprising a plurality of microwave modules, a control layer, a mounting layer, and a signal distribution layer. The control layer is capable of distributing control signals to the plurality of microwave modules. The plurality of microwave modules are attached to an upper surface of the mounting layer and the mounting layer is made from a heat conductive material capable of cooling the plurality of microwave modules. The signal distribution layer is located below the mounting layer, wherein the signal distribution layer is capable of transmitting microwave signals to the plurality of microwave modules and wherein the arrangement of the plurality of microwave modules on the mounting layer, the control layer, and the wave distribution network form a layered architecture for the antenna core. The architecture is a balance between, size, thermal control, manufacturability, cost, and performance so as to be a unique solution.