System for shifting phase in antenna arrays

摘要

A phased array antenna includes at least one digital modulator for phase shifting the signal of at least one antenna in the array. Each modulator includes a digital modulating element where the element can be a quadrature modulating element. A delay element using a digital modulating element is discussed. A method for phase shifting the antennas in an array using digital modulators as phase shifters is described, as is a method for phase aligning multiple signals received over multiple paths, again using digital modulators. The phase shift is applied to local oscillator signals that are subsequently mixed with information-carrying signals.