SMALL SIZE, MULTI-FREQUENCY, MULTI-BEAM PHASED ARRAY ANTENNA SYSTEM

This proposal describes a new approach to multi-frequency, multi-beam phased array antenna system. The geometry of linear tapered slot antennas (LTSA) is utilized to incorporate the solidstate devices (HEMTs/HBTs, Schottky diodes) to design a transmit/receive (multi-function) antenna element. A number of such active antennas (T/R modules) are integrated to develop phased arrays at C, X and Ku-band frequencies. The input power to the phased array antennas is coupled by using a multiplexer system and a feed horn. The amplified signals combine the powers quasi-optically form the radiating antenna elements to form a high power transmit beam in space which is electronically steered by hanging the bias bolage of each active antenna element in the phased array. Since this approach eliminates the conventionall phase shifter circuits and the RF distribution network to feed each T/R module, it offers the potential of simple, small size, low cost and more efficient multi-beam phased array system.