The Boeing Company

Mark William Steeds

Rodney Kevin Bonebright

Jacob C Killens

Paul E Jeroma

Gary Wilsey

Eric M Kawalsky

Systems and methods are provided for regulating heat for a Phased Array Antenna (PAA). The system includes a PAA, which includes array elements to handle Radio Frequency (RF) signals. The PAA also includes a circuit. The circuit includes an amplifier that operates on a current to amplify signals for the PAA, and a sensor that measures temperature at the MMIC. The PAA also includes an array controller that adjusts the current for the amplifier based on a temperature measured by the sensor.

Heat regulation for components of phased array antennas

Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for a true time delay function. The true time delay function may be implemented, for example, as a selectable signal delay circuit for broad bandwidth time control of phased array antenna element signals. In one example, a system comprises a selectable signal delay circuit including a plurality of delay lines, an input port, and an output port, wherein the delay lines are disposed between the input port and the output port. A plurality of amplifiers are coupled to corresponding ones of the plurality of delay lines and coupled between the input port and the output port. A plurality of switches are configured to selectively couple the plurality of delay lines and corresponding amplifiers to provide a selectable delay and amplification between the input port and the output port. Additional systems and methods are also provided.

Integrated true time delay for broad bandwidth time control systems and methods

Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for a distributed gain function. The distributed gain function may be implemented, for example, as a second amplification stage to maintain amplification in an RF distribution network of a compact high gain phased array antenna system. In one example, a system comprises a plurality of element circuits, each coupled to one or more antenna elements. Each element circuit comprises a first amplification stage. A distribution network configured to couple the plurality of element circuits. A distributed gain circuit coupled to the plurality of element circuits and the distribution network, wherein the distributed gain circuit comprises a second amplification stage. The antenna elements and the distribution network are integrated in a substantially planar circuit board and the plurality of element circuits are coupled to the circuit board. Additional systems and methods are also provided.

Gain distribution in compact high gain phased array antenna systems and methods

Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for stacked active RF circuits implemented as amplification stages in high gain phased array antenna systems. Stacked active RF circuits may be implemented, for example, as an amplification stage of an element electronic circuit. Stacked active RF circuits may be implemented, for example, as a second amplification stage to maintain amplification in a high gain phased array antenna system. In one example, a system comprises a substrate comprising a plurality of substrate layers and one or more input ports and output ports. A plurality of amplification stages comprising a plurality of amplifiers, attenuators, and phase shifters are integrated within the plurality of substrate layers, the amplification stage coupled between the input and output ports. One or more monitor circuits are coupled to the plurality of amplification stages. Additional systems and methods are also provided.

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Auburn, WA, United States of America

Mark William Steeds