Partially deployed active phased array antenna array system

摘要

A partially deployed antenna array system that provides many beams per array and also reduces the amount of expensive advanced high density packaging that is required. The beamforming circuitry is located on the spacecraft bus, while the frequency converters, amplifiers, and antenna elements are deployed. The antenna array system for a spacecraft comprises a deployed antenna comprising a plurality of antenna elements operable to transmit or receive a radio frequency signal, a beamformer mounted in the body of the spacecraft operable to process a radio frequency signal or an intermediate frequency signal, and a transmission medium operable to communicate the radio frequency signal or the intermediate frequency signal between the beamformer and the deployed antenna. The transmission medium may comprise a fiber-optic link or alternatively may comprise a coaxial cable. The deployed antenna may comprise a plurality of antenna tiles.