Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.

Ryan S Jennings

Peter J Moosbrugger

Zachary T Miers

Bradley J Tame

Phased array antenna systems and methods for operating phased array antenna systems to efficiently generate multiple beams from a single phased array aperture are disclosed. Elements included in a phased array antenna are randomly assigned to generate one of first or second beams. A phase index for the first set of elements is iterated n times, and a total difference in phase amounts for neighboring elements belonging to different ones of the first and second sets is calculated for each of the n iterations. The phase index resulting in the smallest calculated difference is applied to generate the first beam. The first and second beams are generated from the single phased array aperture simultaneously.

Systems and methods for phase based aperture splitting and nulling of phased array antenna systems

A modular electronic architecture is provided. In particular, one or more unit sub-arrays providing at least a portion of the antenna radiator elements and supporting circuitry comprising at least part of a phased array antenna are provided. Each unit sub-array includes a first area comprising a rigid circuit board on which one or more antenna radiator elements are formed. In addition, a second area of rigid circuit board material for supporting circuitry is provided. The first and second areas are interconnected to one another by a region of flexible circuit board material having connective traces. Methods for forming unit sub-arrays providing antenna radiator elements and supporting circuitry are also provided. More particularly, a completed unit sub-array may be formed while the associated circuit boards are in a flat or planar condition. Following any desired verification of the operating status of the circuit board, supporting structure can be machined away, allowing the unit sub-array to be folded for inclusion in a phased array antenna assembly.

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Louisville, CO, United States of America

Ryan S Jennings