System and methods for radar and communications applications

Abstract

A system and methods for radar and communications applications. In one embodiment the present system comprises a wireless, space-fed, phased array of antennas including a plurality of unit cells. A first one of the unit cells includes a first one of the antennas and a unit cell command interpreter configured to receive a command, determine whether the command is intended for the first unit cell, and relay the command to logic for enabling a phase shift controller of the first antenna. In one embodiment the present methods comprise the step of wirelessly beaming microwave power from a power and control beam transmit unit to illuminate a wireless, space-fed, phased array of antennas including a plurality of unit cells. The method further comprises the steps of beaming a command to the array and converting the microwave power into direct current within a first one of the unit cells. The first unit cell includes a first one of the antennas. The method further comprises the steps of supplying the direct current to components of the first unit cell to power the first unit cell, receiving the command within the first unit cell, determining whether the command is intended for the first unit cell, and relaying the command to logic for enabling a phase shift controller of the first antenna.