US2905940A - Electromagnetically steered microwave antenna - Google Patents
Electromagnetically steered microwave antenna Download PDFInfo
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- US2905940A US2905940A US656733A US65673357A US2905940A US 2905940 A US2905940 A US 2905940A US 656733 A US656733 A US 656733A US 65673357 A US65673357 A US 65673357A US 2905940 A US2905940 A US 2905940A
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
- H01Q3/26—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
- H01Q3/30—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array
- H01Q3/34—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array by electrical means
- H01Q3/36—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array by electrical means with variable phase-shifters
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01P—WAVEGUIDES; RESONATORS, LINES, OR OTHER DEVICES OF THE WAVEGUIDE TYPE
- H01P1/00—Auxiliary devices
- H01P1/18—Phase-shifters
- H01P1/19—Phase-shifters using a ferromagnetic device
Definitions
- variations in the electrical length at microwave frequencies, along a microwave structure are obtained by electrically varying the resonant frequency of a resonant microwave cavity coupled to the microwave structure at the place where the change in microwave length is desired.
- the resonant microwave cavity may be external to the microwave structure or else may be internal, that is the resonant microwave cavity may be an elementary resonant cavity forming part of the microwave structure.
- resonant cavity is meant a cavity in a system having an operating frequency approximately equal to the resonant frequency of the cavity. Because small changes in the resonant frequency of such a resonant cavity produce large changes in the reactance presented by the cavity, large variations in microwave length are obtained at the place of coupling. These large variations in microwave length may be advantageously used in microwave antenna arrays.
- One object of the invention is to provide improved microwave control means for electrically varying the microwave length along a microwave structure at a predetermined place.
- Another object is to provide improved means for varying the resonant frequency of a resonant microwave cavity.
- a further object is to provide improved microwave antenna arrays having electrically controlled means for rapidly and conveniently varying the phases between the energy radiated by the radiators relative to one another.
- a further object of this invention is to provide improved microwave antenna arrays having electrically controlled means for varying the phases between the energy radiated by the radiators relative to one another over considerably larger ranges than heretofore obtainable.
- Still another object is to provide improved means for exciting and controlling the power radiated by microwave radiating elements.
- FIG. 1 is a simplified sectional and schematic representation of a waveguide-fed linear array having external microwave cavity means for electrically varying the relative phase between the energy radiated by the radiators, in accordance with the invention.
- Figure 2a shows a cavity-fed linear array having internal microwave cavity means for electrically varying the relative phase between the energy radiated by the radiators, in accordance with the invention.
- Figure 2b is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2b2b of Figure 2a.
- Figure 3a shows a rectangular cavity-fed array having internal microwave cavity means for electrically varying the phases between the energy radiated by the radiators relative to one another, in accordance with the invention.
- Figure 3b is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3b3b of Figure 3a.
- Figure 4a is a top view of a rectangular cavity-fed array having external microwave cavity means for electrically varying the phases between the energy radiated by the radiators relative to one another, in accordance with the invention.
- Figure 4b is a front view of Figure 4a.
- a section of waveguide 12 is adapted to be supplied with microwave energy at one end 14 and is terminated in a matching impedance 16 at the other end 18.
- Two ferrite radiating elements 20a and 20b are placed to form a linear array and are coupled to the waveguide 12 in accordance with well known practice.
- a resonant cavity 24 is coupled to the waveguide 12 at a place intermediate to the radiators 20a and 20b by coincident apertures 12a and 24a in the waveguide 12 and resonant cavity 24 respectively.
- a metal cup 30 is mounted on the cavity 24 and has a ferrite rod 34 extending from the interior to the cavity 24 into the interior of the metal cup 30 through an aperture 38, the metal cup 30 and aperture 38 being located so that the ferrite rod 34 couples at a position of maximum magnetic field.
- a coil 36 surrounds the metal cup 30 and is connected to a variable current source comprising a battery 40 and a current control potentiometer 42.
- a change in the current flowing through the coil 36 changes the magnetic field applied to the ferrite rod 34 and causes a change in the resonant frequency of the resonant cavity 24.
- a change in the resonant frequency of the resonant cavity 24 alters the impedance presented to the waveguide 12 at its aperture 12a, producing a change in the microwave length between the radiators 20a and 20b and resulting in a change in the relative phase between the energy radiated by the radiators 20a and 20b.
- the relative phase shift obtained between the radiators 20a and 20b is equivalent to that produced by applying the same magnetic field to a much larger piece of ferrite not placed in a resonant cavity. Relative phase shifts considerably higher than previously obtainable are now possible.
- FIGS. 2a and 2b show views of a cavity-fed linear array having internal microwave cavity means for electrically varying the phase of energy radiated by the radiators relative to one another, in accordance with the invention.
- a resonant T E mode cavity 44 is divided into six elementary resonant cavities 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50s, and 50 by shorting posts 60a and 60b placed at points of zero electric current and zero electric and magnetic fields within the TE mode cavity 44. Center lines drawn through the shorting posts 60a and 60b parallel to the walls of the TE mode cavity indicate the elementary resonant cavities 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, S0e, and 50f.
- Microwave energy is supplied to the TE mode cavity 44 through an aperture 46.
- Two ferrite radiating elements 20a and 20b are placed to form a linear array and are coupled to the energy in the TE cavity 44 in accnrdance with well known practice.
- a metal cup 30 is mounted on the TE mode cavity 44, and a ferrite rod 34 extends from the interior of the TE mode cavity 44 into the interior of the metal cup 30 through an aperture 38.
- the metal cup 30 and aperture 38 are located so that the ferrite rod 34 couples to the elementary r'esonant cavities 50 c and 50 at a positionof maximummagnetic field.
- Achange inthe current flowing through the coil 36 changes the magnetic field applied to the ferrite rod 34 and-causesa change-in ;the resonant frequency ofthe elementary resonant cavities 50cand 50f-to which the ferrite rod 34 is coupled.
- a change in the resonant frequencyof the-elementary resonantcavity 50c changes the microwave length appearing between the radiators 20a and 20b and results in a change in the relative phase between the energy radiated by theradiators 20a and zllb.
- phases between the energy radiated by the radiators 20 may be varied relative to-one another. Skilled persons will be ahleto provide various equivalents of the current control 'rn comprising batteries 5 As ana potentiometers 42 that-w1ll permit-the mauve phases to be varied in accordancewith anydesired pe iodic or aperiodic program; a d'atvery high rates of -speed.
- a TE mode cavity 64 isdivid'edinto eight elementary resonant cavities 502z;50b,- 50c, 50d;50e, 501, 50g, and 50h by a microwavestructure 70 symmetrically located at the center of the'TE mode cavity 64.
- ferrite radiators 2 0a," 20b,20 c, and ztld are coupled to elementary cavities 50a, 50g, 50:: and 500 respectivelyto form'a rectangular-array in accordance with well known practice, Mi'crowave energy is supplied to the TE mode cavity; throughan aperture 66.
- Metal cups 30a;-and 30b, mounted on cavities 70a and 70b respectively, have ferrite rods 34a and 34b ex; tendingfrom the interior of the "LE cavity 64 through apertures isa and-3811 respectively.
- Coils fi a and 36 b surround metal cups 30a and 30b respecthiely, each of the coils 36a-and 36b being connected to variable current sources comprising' a battery 40a and potentiometer 42a forthe coil -36a an'd a battery 4% and potentiometer 42b. for the coil 36b.
- a change intheresonantfrequency-of cavity 70a is effected causing achange in the rnicrowave length between the two radiators zllw and :20b and the two radiators 20d and 200.
- change-imthe current applied to coil 36b effects asimilarchange i-n the resonant frequency of cavity 'l-llbrpermitting control of the microwave length between the twomadiators zoa and 20c, and the two radiators 20b and 20d.
- This type of rectangulararray has the, advantage over the rectangular array of Figures 3a and 3b of-allowingcontrol ofthe microwave length between two. pairs of radiators'by-a sing-le' reson ant cavity. 7)
- Thedilference between-the external and internal cavity means for controlling the microwave length is that in the internal case, control of microwave length is obtained cont-rolling -;th'e resonant freguency-of one of the elementary resonant cavities-forming part of thereson'ant cavity structure while'in the external case control of micro wave length is obtained by controlling the resonant frequency- -of- 'an external resonant cavity coupled to the resonant cavitystructure 'at the place where the change in microwave length is desired. Since the external cavity can be'eoupled-at a number 7 of places to the same" resonant cavity structure or toj-difierent cavity structures, a greater versatility can be obtained.
- a rectangular, mechanically stationary microwave antenna array the beam of which may be varied electrically, comprising in combination: a resonant cavity; means for supplying microwave energy to said resonant cavity; means for dividing said resonant cavity into elementary cavities; four radiators placed on said resonant cavity structure to form a rectangular array; four metal cups mounted on said resonant cavity structure, one metal cup being mounted between each pair of radiators; four ferrite rods, each rod extending from the interior of said resonant cavity structure through an aperture into the interior of one of said metal cups, said metal cups and apertures being placed so that each ferrite rod is coupled to an elementary cavity located between a pair of radiators; a coil surrounding each metal cup; and means for applying a variable current to each of said coils thereby varying the phase between the energy radiated by said radiators relative to one another.
- a mechanically stationary microwave antenna array the beam of which may be varied electrically, comprising in combination: a resonant cavity microwave structure; means for supplying microwave energy to said microwave structure; radiators coupled to said microwave structure; and microwave cavity means for electrically varying the microwave length between said radiators so that the phases between the energy radiated by said radiators are varied relative to one another, said microwave cavity means for varying the microwave length between said radiators comprising means for dividing said resonant cavity into elementary resonant cavities, and electrically controlled means for varying the resonant frequencies of predetermined elementary resonant cavities, said predetermined elementary cavities being chosen between said radiators so that variations in the resonant frequencies of said predetermined elementary cavities varies the phases between the energy radiated by said radiators relative to one another.
- said means for dividing said resonant cavity structure into elementary resonant cavities comprises: shorting posts placed at points of zero electric current and zero electric and magnetic fields within said resonant cavity.
- each predetermined elementary resonant cavity is varied by electrically controlled means comprising: a ferrite piece coupled to said predetermined elementary cavity; and electrically controlled means for applying a variable magnetic field to said ferrite piece.
- each predetermined elementary resonant cavity is varied by electrically controlled means comprising: a metal cup mounted over said predetermined elementary cavity; a ferrite rod extending from the interior of said predetermined elementary cavity through an aperture into the interior of said metal cup; and electrically controlled means for applying a variable magnetic field to said ferrite rod.
- said electrically controlled means for applying a variable magnetic field to said ferrite rod comprises: a coil surrounding said metal cup; and means for applying a variable current to said coil.
- said means for dividing said resonant cavity structure into elementary resonant cavities comprises: shorting posts placed at points of zero electric current and zero electric and magnetic fields within said resonant cavity.
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Description
Sept. 22, 1959 E. e. SPENCER ETAL 2,905,940
ELECTROMAGNETICALLY STEERED MICROWAVE ANTENNA Filed May 2, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet.1
INPU 7' JEW L lib- I INVENTORS Edward G.Spencer Frank Reggie BY John E. Tompkins Robert D.Hotcher r. 5%, 1.4%, wWM/ W Sept. 22, 1959 E. G. SPENCER ETAL 2,905,940
ELECTROMAGNETICALLY STEERED MICROWAVE ANTENNA Filed May 2, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 om mum um llll l HHNUIIJ. 6.0
INVENTOR Edward G.Spe ncer Frank Reggie BY John E. Tompkin Robert D. Hmcher QN I nited States Patent Ofiice 2,905,940 Patented Sept. 22, 1959 ELECTROMAGNETICALLY STEERED MICROWAVE ANTENNA Edward G. Spencer, Rockville, Frank Reggia, Chevy Chase, and John E. Tompkins, Bethesda, Md., and Robert D. Hatcher, Washington, D.C., assignors to the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army Application May 2, 1957, Serial No. 656,733-
8 Claims. (Cl. 343-778) (Granted under Title 35, U.S. Cde (1952), sec. 266) V The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes without the payment to us of any royalty there- This invention relates to the electrical control of microwave structures in general and more particularly to microwave cavity means for electrically varying the microwave length along a microwave structure at a predetermined place.
In preferred forms of the invention, variations in the electrical length at microwave frequencies, along a microwave structure are obtained by electrically varying the resonant frequency of a resonant microwave cavity coupled to the microwave structure at the place where the change in microwave length is desired. The resonant microwave cavity may be external to the microwave structure or else may be internal, that is the resonant microwave cavity may be an elementary resonant cavity forming part of the microwave structure. By resonant cavity is meant a cavity in a system having an operating frequency approximately equal to the resonant frequency of the cavity. Because small changes in the resonant frequency of such a resonant cavity produce large changes in the reactance presented by the cavity, large variations in microwave length are obtained at the place of coupling. These large variations in microwave length may be advantageously used in microwave antenna arrays. By varying the microwave length between two radiators, the phase of the energy radiated by one radiator can be varied relative to the phase of the energy radiated by the other radiator.
One object of the invention is to provide improved microwave control means for electrically varying the microwave length along a microwave structure at a predetermined place.
Another object is to provide improved means for varying the resonant frequency of a resonant microwave cavity.
A further object is to provide improved microwave antenna arrays having electrically controlled means for rapidly and conveniently varying the phases between the energy radiated by the radiators relative to one another.
A further object of this invention is to provide improved microwave antenna arrays having electrically controlled means for varying the phases between the energy radiated by the radiators relative to one another over considerably larger ranges than heretofore obtainable.
Still another object is to provide improved means for exciting and controlling the power radiated by microwave radiating elements.
The specific nature of the invention as well as other objects, uses and advantages thereof will clearly appear from the following description and from the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 is a simplified sectional and schematic representation of a waveguide-fed linear array having external microwave cavity means for electrically varying the relative phase between the energy radiated by the radiators, in accordance with the invention.
Figure 2a shows a cavity-fed linear array having internal microwave cavity means for electrically varying the relative phase between the energy radiated by the radiators, in accordance with the invention.
Figure 2b is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2b2b of Figure 2a.
Figure 3a shows a rectangular cavity-fed array having internal microwave cavity means for electrically varying the phases between the energy radiated by the radiators relative to one another, in accordance with the invention.
Figure 3b is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3b3b of Figure 3a.
Figure 4a is a top view of a rectangular cavity-fed array having external microwave cavity means for electrically varying the phases between the energy radiated by the radiators relative to one another, in accordance with the invention.
Figure 4b is a front view of Figure 4a.
In Figure 1, a section of waveguide 12 is adapted to be supplied with microwave energy at one end 14 and is terminated in a matching impedance 16 at the other end 18.
Two ferrite radiating elements 20a and 20b are placed to form a linear array and are coupled to the waveguide 12 in accordance with well known practice.
A resonant cavity 24 is coupled to the waveguide 12 at a place intermediate to the radiators 20a and 20b by coincident apertures 12a and 24a in the waveguide 12 and resonant cavity 24 respectively. A metal cup 30 is mounted on the cavity 24 and has a ferrite rod 34 extending from the interior to the cavity 24 into the interior of the metal cup 30 through an aperture 38, the metal cup 30 and aperture 38 being located so that the ferrite rod 34 couples at a position of maximum magnetic field. A coil 36 surrounds the metal cup 30 and is connected to a variable current source comprising a battery 40 and a current control potentiometer 42.
A change in the current flowing through the coil 36 changes the magnetic field applied to the ferrite rod 34 and causes a change in the resonant frequency of the resonant cavity 24. A change in the resonant frequency of the resonant cavity 24 alters the impedance presented to the waveguide 12 at its aperture 12a, producing a change in the microwave length between the radiators 20a and 20b and resulting in a change in the relative phase between the energy radiated by the radiators 20a and 20b. The relative phase shift obtained between the radiators 20a and 20b is equivalent to that produced by applying the same magnetic field to a much larger piece of ferrite not placed in a resonant cavity. Relative phase shifts considerably higher than previously obtainable are now possible.
Figures 2a and 2b show views of a cavity-fed linear array having internal microwave cavity means for electrically varying the phase of energy radiated by the radiators relative to one another, in accordance with the invention. A resonant T E mode cavity 44 is divided into six elementary resonant cavities 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50s, and 50 by shorting posts 60a and 60b placed at points of zero electric current and zero electric and magnetic fields within the TE mode cavity 44. Center lines drawn through the shorting posts 60a and 60b parallel to the walls of the TE mode cavity indicate the elementary resonant cavities 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, S0e, and 50f. Microwave energy is supplied to the TE mode cavity 44 through an aperture 46. Two ferrite radiating elements 20a and 20b are placed to form a linear array and are coupled to the energy in the TE cavity 44 in accnrdance with well known practice.
A metal cup 30 is mounted on the TE mode cavity 44, and a ferrite rod 34 extends from the interior of the TE mode cavity 44 into the interior of the metal cup 30 through an aperture 38. The metal cup 30 and aperture 38 are located so that the ferrite rod 34 couples to the elementary r'esonant cavities 50 c and 50 at a positionof maximummagnetic field. A coil 36-surrounds the metateu so andis connected to a variable current source; comprisinga battery 40- and a current control potentiometer 42."
Achange inthe current flowing through the coil 36 changes the magnetic field applied to the ferrite rod 34 and-causesa change-in ;the resonant frequency ofthe elementary resonant cavities 50cand 50f-to which the ferrite rod 34 is coupled. A change in the resonant frequencyof the-elementary resonantcavity 50c changes the microwave length appearing between the radiators 20a and 20b and results in a change in the relative phase between the energy radiated by theradiators 20a and zllb.
'1 he cavity-fed array as basically illust-rated in Figures- Za-and 2b has the advantage that each of theelementary resonant cavities will have the same energy within the elementary cavity even though the resonant mode cavity is fed at only one place. This advantage of cavity-fed arrays'pennits convenient and simple adjustment of the power radiated by each radiatingelement. Thisadvantage becomes 'rnore. greatly apparent as the number of radiating elements is increased. The power radiated by each radiatorof a waveguide-fed array as basically illustrated in Figure l is more'difficult to adjust because the amplitude andphase of the energy reaching each radiator will depend upon the amount of energy absorbed by the previous radiators.
a'IheQ-particu'lar cavity-fed array and cavity control meansof Figures 2a and 2b has afurther advantage. Because :t-hefshorting- post-s 60a and 60b furnish tight boundary conditions operation in the TE mode cavity 44 is restricted to-a single well defined and especially chesen-fcavity mode. =Therefore, even for largechanges induced in-itheelementary resonant cavities by changes in the magnetic field applied to the ferrite rod'34, the mode' of operation within the TE g cavity 44 remains substantially the same.
The principles and advantages of the linear cavity-fed array having internal microwave" cavity control means asim Figuresla and 2b can beextended to a rectangular cavity-fed arrayas-shown inFigures 3a andSb. 'I-n-Fig- Hres-3a-=and-3baTE p mode cavity 54 is divided into twelve: elementary resonant ca'vities=50a-,-'50 b, 50c, 50d, 50e, -50f, 50g, =50h-, 50i,*50j ,50k, -50lby shorting- posts 60a,60b,-60c;-60d,"60e, and fitlfplaced at points of zero currentandzero electric and magnetic fields withinthe 'I-E gmode cavity 54. "Center lines' drawn through the shorting 'posts'fillacand fiflli parallel to the walls-of-the TE mode cavity 54' indicate the elementary-resonant cavities-50; Microwave energy is supplied to the-TEg mode ca-vity54 through; an aperture 56'. -Four ferrite radiating elements 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are placed to form a'arectangular array and are coupled to the TE cavity =5'4 inaccordance with well known practice.
Four metal'cups 30a; 30b; '3 c, and 30d, mounted on the TE gpmode cavity 54-between the radiatons h'ave ferrite rods 341L341), 3'4c,"'and 34d extending from the interior of 'the TE cavity54 i'nto'the'metal cups 30a,30b,='30c, and-"30d through: apertures 38a, 38b, 38c, and 33d respectively, themetalcups'30'and apertures- 38 being placed 50* that each ferrite rod 34- is coupled at' a position of maximum magnetic field to an elementary cavity 50 located between apair of radiator-s 20, Coils 36a 36b, 36c and36d :surr'oundmetal cups- 30a, 3llb,-3ilc and 30d respectively, each of the coils '36 being connected to its own variable "current-- source comprising a battery 40- 'and a currentcontrol potentiometer 4 2.
The operation of the rectangular cavity-fed array'having internal microwave cavity control means as in Figures Ba and 3'b ';is substantially the as the: opera;
tion of the linear cavity-fed array of Figures 2a and 2b.
That is, by varying the current'through the coils 36, the
phases between the energy radiated by the radiators 20 may be varied relative to-one another. Skilled persons will be ahleto provide various equivalents of the current control 'rn comprising batteries 5 As ana potentiometers 42 that-w1ll permit-the mauve phases to be varied in accordancewith anydesired pe iodic or aperiodic program; a d'atvery high rates of -speed.
. =The cavity fed rectangular array of Figures 4a and 4b illustrates the us'e of external cavity control means for varying the phases between the energly radia't'ed by the radiators relative to oneanother. In Figures 4a and 4b a TE mode cavity 64 isdivid'edinto eight elementary resonant cavities 502z;50b,- 50c, 50d;50e, 501, 50g, and 50h by a microwavestructure 70 symmetrically located at the center of the'TE mode cavity 64. The microwave'structure '-70 eo mprises two resonant cavities 70a and 70b havingcoupling i-rises 65 and 65b. Four ferrite radiators 2 0a," 20b,20 c, and ztld are coupled to elementary cavities 50a, 50g, 50:: and 500 respectivelyto form'a rectangular-array in accordance with well known practice, Mi'crowave energy is supplied to the TE mode cavity; throughan aperture 66. Metal cups 30a;-and 30b, mounted on cavities 70a and 70b respectively, have ferrite rods 34a and 34b ex; tendingfrom the interior of the "LE cavity 64 through apertures isa and-3811 respectively. Coils fi a and 36 b surround metal cups 30a and 30b respecthiely, each of the coils 36a-and 36b being connected to variable current sources comprising' a battery 40a and potentiometer 42a forthe coil -36a an'd a battery 4% and potentiometer 42b. for the coil 36b.
By changingthe current applied' to coil36a, a change intheresonantfrequency-of cavity 70a is effected causing achange in the rnicrowave length between the two radiators zllw and :20b and the two radiators 20d and 200. change-imthe current applied to coil 36b effects asimilarchange i-n the resonant frequency of cavity 'l-llbrpermitting control of the microwave length between the twomadiators zoa and 20c, and the two radiators 20b and 20d. This type of rectangulararray has the, advantage over the rectangular array of Figures 3a and 3b of-allowingcontrol ofthe microwave length between two. pairs of radiators'by-a sing-le' reson ant cavity. 7)
Thedilference between-the external and internal cavity means for controlling the microwave length is that in the internal case, control of microwave length is obtained cont-rolling -;th'e resonant freguency-of one of the elementary resonant cavities-forming part of thereson'ant cavity structure while'in the external case control of micro wave length is obtained by controlling the resonant frequency- -of- 'an external resonant cavity coupled to the resonant cavitystructure 'at the place where the change in microwave length is desired. Since the external cavity can be'eoupled-at a number 7 of places to the same" resonant cavity structure or toj-difierent cavity structures, a greater versatility can be obtained.
;Although;th e linear afidrectan'gular arrays have been cavity structure; means for dividing said resonant cavity into elementary resonant cavities; two radiators placed on said resonant cavity structure to form a linear array; a metal cup mounted on said resonant cavity structure between said radiators; a ferrite rod extending from the interior of said resonant cavity structure through an aperture into the interior of said metal cup, said aperture and said metal cup being placed so that said ferrite rod is coupled to an elementary cavity located between said radiators; a coil surrounding said metal cup; and means for applying a variable current to said coil thereby varying the phases between the energy radiated by said radiators relative to one another.
2. A rectangular, mechanically stationary microwave antenna array the beam of which may be varied electrically, comprising in combination: a resonant cavity; means for supplying microwave energy to said resonant cavity; means for dividing said resonant cavity into elementary cavities; four radiators placed on said resonant cavity structure to form a rectangular array; four metal cups mounted on said resonant cavity structure, one metal cup being mounted between each pair of radiators; four ferrite rods, each rod extending from the interior of said resonant cavity structure through an aperture into the interior of one of said metal cups, said metal cups and apertures being placed so that each ferrite rod is coupled to an elementary cavity located between a pair of radiators; a coil surrounding each metal cup; and means for applying a variable current to each of said coils thereby varying the phase between the energy radiated by said radiators relative to one another.
3. A mechanically stationary microwave antenna array the beam of which may be varied electrically, comprising in combination: a resonant cavity microwave structure; means for supplying microwave energy to said microwave structure; radiators coupled to said microwave structure; and microwave cavity means for electrically varying the microwave length between said radiators so that the phases between the energy radiated by said radiators are varied relative to one another, said microwave cavity means for varying the microwave length between said radiators comprising means for dividing said resonant cavity into elementary resonant cavities, and electrically controlled means for varying the resonant frequencies of predetermined elementary resonant cavities, said predetermined elementary cavities being chosen between said radiators so that variations in the resonant frequencies of said predetermined elementary cavities varies the phases between the energy radiated by said radiators relative to one another.
5 4. The invention in accordance with claim 3 wherein said means for dividing said resonant cavity structure into elementary resonant cavities comprises: shorting posts placed at points of zero electric current and zero electric and magnetic fields within said resonant cavity.
10 5. The invention in accordance with claim 3 wherein the resonant frequency of each predetermined elementary resonant cavity is varied by electrically controlled means comprising: a ferrite piece coupled to said predetermined elementary cavity; and electrically controlled means for applying a variable magnetic field to said ferrite piece.
6. The invention in accordance with claim 3 wherein the resonant frequency of each predetermined elementary resonant cavity is varied by electrically controlled means comprising: a metal cup mounted over said predetermined elementary cavity; a ferrite rod extending from the interior of said predetermined elementary cavity through an aperture into the interior of said metal cup; and electrically controlled means for applying a variable magnetic field to said ferrite rod.
7. The invention in accordance with claim 5 wherein said electrically controlled means for applying a variable magnetic field to said ferrite rod comprises: a coil surrounding said metal cup; and means for applying a variable current to said coil.
8. The invention in accordance with claim 7 wherein said means for dividing said resonant cavity structure into elementary resonant cavities comprises: shorting posts placed at points of zero electric current and zero electric and magnetic fields within said resonant cavity.
References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,645,758 Van De Lindt July 14, 1953 2,728,050 Van De Lindt Dec. 20, 1955 2,808,584 Koch Oct. 1, 1957 OTHER REFERENCES Ferrod Radiator Systems (Reggia et al.), published in IRE Convention Record, part 1, (pp. 213-224), Mar.
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| US656733A US2905940A (en) | 1957-05-02 | 1957-05-02 | Electromagnetically steered microwave antenna |
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| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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| US656733A US2905940A (en) | 1957-05-02 | 1957-05-02 | Electromagnetically steered microwave antenna |
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| US2905940A true US2905940A (en) | 1959-09-22 |
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Cited By (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2994874A (en) * | 1959-07-23 | 1961-08-01 | Kihn Harry | High-speed, narrow beam radar scanning antenna |
| US3069680A (en) * | 1960-07-26 | 1962-12-18 | Elwin W Seeley | Ferrite-loaded cavity beam-shifting antenna |
| US3309660A (en) * | 1961-05-26 | 1967-03-14 | Mourier Georges | Electron discharge amplifier device |
| US3423756A (en) * | 1964-09-10 | 1969-01-21 | Rca Corp | Scanning antenna feed |
| US4338609A (en) * | 1980-12-15 | 1982-07-06 | Rca Corporation | Short horn radiator assembly |
| EP0126626A2 (en) * | 1983-05-23 | 1984-11-28 | Hazeltine Corporation | Resonant waveguide aperture manifold |
| EP0167302A2 (en) * | 1984-06-07 | 1986-01-08 | Spar Aerospace Limited | Antenna feed networks |
| US4574259A (en) * | 1984-12-20 | 1986-03-04 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | High switching speed electrically tuned microwave magnetic resonance devices |
| US4868575A (en) * | 1986-12-04 | 1989-09-19 | Mok Chuck K | Phase slope equalizer for satellite antennas |
| US5128689A (en) * | 1990-09-20 | 1992-07-07 | Hughes Aircraft Company | Ehf array antenna backplate including radiating modules, cavities, and distributor supported thereon |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2645758A (en) * | 1950-04-20 | 1953-07-14 | Hartford Nat Bank & Trust Co | Electromagnetic device for amplitude-modulation of high-frequency oscillations |
| US2728050A (en) * | 1950-05-20 | 1955-12-20 | Hartford Nat Bank & Trust Co | Device for modulating ultra-short waves in a transmission line |
| US2808584A (en) * | 1954-01-29 | 1957-10-01 | Bell Telephone Labor Inc | Directional radiator |
-
1957
- 1957-05-02 US US656733A patent/US2905940A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2645758A (en) * | 1950-04-20 | 1953-07-14 | Hartford Nat Bank & Trust Co | Electromagnetic device for amplitude-modulation of high-frequency oscillations |
| US2728050A (en) * | 1950-05-20 | 1955-12-20 | Hartford Nat Bank & Trust Co | Device for modulating ultra-short waves in a transmission line |
| US2808584A (en) * | 1954-01-29 | 1957-10-01 | Bell Telephone Labor Inc | Directional radiator |
Cited By (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2994874A (en) * | 1959-07-23 | 1961-08-01 | Kihn Harry | High-speed, narrow beam radar scanning antenna |
| US3069680A (en) * | 1960-07-26 | 1962-12-18 | Elwin W Seeley | Ferrite-loaded cavity beam-shifting antenna |
| US3309660A (en) * | 1961-05-26 | 1967-03-14 | Mourier Georges | Electron discharge amplifier device |
| US3423756A (en) * | 1964-09-10 | 1969-01-21 | Rca Corp | Scanning antenna feed |
| US4338609A (en) * | 1980-12-15 | 1982-07-06 | Rca Corporation | Short horn radiator assembly |
| EP0126626A3 (en) * | 1983-05-23 | 1987-02-04 | Hazeltine Corporation | Resonant waveguide aperture manifold |
| EP0126626A2 (en) * | 1983-05-23 | 1984-11-28 | Hazeltine Corporation | Resonant waveguide aperture manifold |
| EP0167302A2 (en) * | 1984-06-07 | 1986-01-08 | Spar Aerospace Limited | Antenna feed networks |
| US4633258A (en) * | 1984-06-07 | 1986-12-30 | Spar Aerospace Limited | Phase slope equalizer |
| EP0167302A3 (en) * | 1984-06-07 | 1987-09-09 | Spar Aerospace Limited | Antenna feed networks |
| US4574259A (en) * | 1984-12-20 | 1986-03-04 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | High switching speed electrically tuned microwave magnetic resonance devices |
| US4868575A (en) * | 1986-12-04 | 1989-09-19 | Mok Chuck K | Phase slope equalizer for satellite antennas |
| US5128689A (en) * | 1990-09-20 | 1992-07-07 | Hughes Aircraft Company | Ehf array antenna backplate including radiating modules, cavities, and distributor supported thereon |
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