The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 04, 2007
Filed:
May. 11, 2006
Peter J. Moosbrugger, Erie, CO (US);
Ryan S. Jennings, Louisville, CO (US);
Bradley J. Tame, Thornton, CO (US);
Peter J. Moosbrugger, Erie, CO (US);
Ryan S. Jennings, Louisville, CO (US);
Bradley J. Tame, Thornton, CO (US);
Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., Boulder, CO (US);
Abstract
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.