Thinned multiple beam phased array antenna

Abstract

A thinned multiple beam phased array antenna which includes, in a sending array configuration, an antenna element, beam forming network, feeding circuits, a phase and gain controller, and a phase control algorithm storage unit. A feeding circuit is coupled to an associated antenna element and the beam forming network, and passes a beam forming signal between the antenna element and the beam forming network. The antenna element preferably includes a plurality of radiators and a plurality of band pass filters, wherein a band pass filter is dedicated to each radiator. The beam forming network preferably includes a stripline power divider and a power distributor. The feeding circuits preferably include a plurality of impedance-matching isolators, a plurality of solid state power amplifiers, a plurality of n:1 signal combiners, a plurality of monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs), and a plurality of phase shifters. This configuration is integrated into a single system which provides flexibility of beam placement, narrow beam width, simultaneous, independent multiple beams and reduces the overall system weight and cost.