Electromagnetic Sciences, Inc.

Norman E Johnson

Steven H Rigg

Jeffrey A Leddy

A distributed parallel processing architecture for electronically steerable multi-element RF array antennas provides real time rapid array updates with decreased hardware cost and complexity. The array is subdivided into plural sub-arrays (each sub-array has more than one RF radiating element) and a phase shift interface electronics ('PIE') device is provided for each sub-array. Parameters specific to the RF elements within the sub-arrays are preloaded into the corresponding PIE. Pointing angle and rotational orientation parameters are broadcasted to the PIEs, which then calculate, in parallel and in a distributed processing manner, the phase shifts associated with the various elements in their corresponding sub-arrays. Linearization, phase compensation for various factors (e.g., operating frequency, measured characteristics of individual RF elements, feed line delay to individual elements, etc.), and the initial phase shift calculations themselves are thus performed on essentially an element-by-element basis without requiring individual calculation hardware for each element. Array spoiling in response to real time array rotational orientation is provided. Update rates of greater than 10 kHz are attainable.

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Duluth, GA, United States of America

Norman E Johnson