Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.

Zachary T Miers

Peter J Moosbrugger

Joseph E Diener

Ryan S Jennings

Ray Lovestead

Antenna test systems and methods are disclosed. An antenna test system as disclosed herein can include an X-Y isolation structure that defines a plurality of unit cells, a plurality of coupling elements, with at least one coupling element within each unit cell, and a Z isolation structure. The size and general configuration of the unit cells are selected to allow the individual antenna elements of an array antenna to be placed within a unit cell. Each unit cell thus isolates an antenna element. The disclosed methods include passing energy between antenna elements and corresponding unit cells to characterize the performance of the antenna. An antenna test system as disclosed herein enables the costs associated with testing phased array antenna systems, including but not limited to antennas used in 5G communication systems, to be reduced as compared to prior techniques.

Systems and methods for automated testing and calibration of phased array antenna systems

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

Transmitter tracking systems and methods are provided that utilize a phased array antenna. With the antenna forming a beam that is pointed in a first direction for a first frequency, a plurality of radio frequency (RF) signals, each associated with different carrier frequency and produced by a first transmitter, are received. The amplitudes of the received signals are used to determine whether the beam is pointed at the first transmitter. The amplitude information can also be used to determine a direction in which to point the beam if it is determined that the beam is not pointed at the first transmitter. The systems and methods can be applied to 5G, satellite communication, or other systems incorporating a phased array antenna.

Systems and methods for locating and tracking radio frequency transmitters

An antenna system circuit board stack with feed vias and with non-feed vias is disclosed. An antenna system circuit board stack as disclosed herein can include a plurality of patches or radiating elements formed on a common plane comprising a first surface of a circuit board. Each radiating element is electrically connected to one or more feed vias. In addition non-feed vias extend through, but are electrically isolated from, the radiating elements. An antenna system as disclosed herein enables the costs associated with multiple beam antenna systems, including but not limited to 5G communication systems, to be reduced as compared to alternative techniques.

Systems and methods for interconnecting and isolating antenna system components

Systems and methods for isolating radio frequency (RF) signals in high frequency circuit assemblies, including but not limited to 5G communication systems, are provided. The circuit assemblies include an RF suppression structure, which can be in the form of a low ohm resistor, that extends across a transmission line, and that has contacts that are electrically joined to a ground plane. Alternatively or in addition, the circuit assemblies include a low ohm resistor that extends over a transition between a signal via and an end of a transmission line, and that has contacts that are electrically joined to a ground plane. A circuit assembly as disclosed herein can further include multiple low ohm resistors spaced apart from one another by a distance that is a fraction of a wavelength of a highest frequency signal carried by the transmission line.

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Broomfield, CO, United States of America

Zachary T Miers