Transverse device array phase shifter circuit techniques and antennas

Abstract

A transverse device array phase shifter includes an overmoded waveguide structure having a top conductive broad wall surface, a bottom conductive broad wall surface and opposed first and second conductive side wall surfaces. At least one transverse device array circuit is positioned in the waveguide circuit. Each circuit comprises a generally planar dielectric substrate having a microwave circuit defined thereon, and a plurality of spaced discrete phase shifter elements. The substrate is disposed within the waveguide structure generally transverse to the side wall surfaces. A bias circuit applies a voltage to reverse bias the phase shifter elements. The transverse device array phase shifter circuit causes a change in phase of microwave or millimeter-wave energy propagating through the waveguide structure. An electronically scanned antenna array employing continuous transverse stubs as radiating elements, with an upper conductive plate structure comprising a set of continuous transverse stubs, and a lower conductive plate structure disposed in a spaced relationship relative to the upper plate structure. At least one transverse device array phase shifter circuit is disposed between selected adjacent pairs of stubs. An electronically tunable antenna array employing continuous transverse stubs as radiating elements and transverse diode array phase shifters, which includes a short circuit termination disposed between the upper conductive plate and the lower conductive plate. At least one transverse device array phase shifter circuit is positioned between the short circuit termination and an adjacent stub to provide tuning.