Built-in system for antenna calibration, performance monitoring and fault isolation of phased array antenna using signal injections and RF switches
First Claim
1. An apparatus for monitoring a microwave antenna array having a plurality of radiating elements and a plurality of transmit/receive modules, each transmit/receive module being coupled with one of said radiating elements;
- which comprises;
a transmitter for generating a test signal;
a performance monitor for testing said antenna arraya transmission line for coupling with said radiating elements;
switch means coupled between said transmitter and said transmission line and said transmit/receive modules for alternately coupling said test signal to said transmission line or to said transmit/receive modules; and
switching means coupled between said transmit/receive modules and said performance monitor for selecting one of said transmit/receive modules and selectively passing said test signal, in sequence, either through said transmit/receive module and said transmission line to said performance monitor to test the transmit operation of said radiating element and selected transmit/receive module, or through said transmission line and said transmit/receive module to said performance monitor, to test to receive operation of said radiating element and said selected transmit/receive module.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for testing a microwave phased array antenna having a plurality of radiating elements includes a transmission line for signal injection and switching components to selectively establish signal paths from a transmitter, and through a plurality of transmit/receive modules, to a performance monitor. In accordance with the present invention the switching components can be set to establish a receive signal path through the apparatus to test the receive mode of the individual modules. Alternatively, the switching components can be set to establish a transmit signal path through the apparatus to test the transmit mode of the individual modules. Further, the switching components can be set to selectively establish a receive signal path or a transmit signal path through either isolated individual modules or through all modules simultaneously. The system monitor then tests the signals which pass through the modules on the receive signal path and the transmit signal path to determine the operational status of the module and the phased array antenna.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. An apparatus for monitoring a microwave antenna array having a plurality of radiating elements and a plurality of transmit/receive modules, each transmit/receive module being coupled with one of said radiating elements;
- which comprises;
a transmitter for generating a test signal; a performance monitor for testing said antenna array a transmission line for coupling with said radiating elements; switch means coupled between said transmitter and said transmission line and said transmit/receive modules for alternately coupling said test signal to said transmission line or to said transmit/receive modules; and switching means coupled between said transmit/receive modules and said performance monitor for selecting one of said transmit/receive modules and selectively passing said test signal, in sequence, either through said transmit/receive module and said transmission line to said performance monitor to test the transmit operation of said radiating element and selected transmit/receive module, or through said transmission line and said transmit/receive module to said performance monitor, to test to receive operation of said radiating element and said selected transmit/receive module. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
- which comprises;
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9. An apparatus for test monitoring a microwave antenna array having a plurality of radiating and a plurality of transmit/receive modules, each transmit/receive module being coupled with one of said radiating elements, which comprises:
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a transmission line for coupling with said radiating elements; a transmitter for generating a test signal, a transmit feed coupled to said transmit/receive modules and an injection feed coupled to said transmission line; a transmitter switch coupled between said transmitter and said transmit feed and said injection feed for alternately coupling said test signal to said transmission line or to said transmit/receive modules; a performance monitor; each said transmit/receive module having a low power transmit/receive switch for alternately connecting said transmit/receive module with said transmit feed to test the transit operation of said radiating element and said transmit/receive module or said performance monitor to test the receive operation of said radiating element and said transmit/receive module, and each said transmit/receive module having a high power transmit/receive switch for selectively connecting said transmit/receive module to said radiating elements for transmitting said test signal to said transmission line or receiving said test signal from said transmission line; a line switch selectively connecting said transmission line with said injection feed to test the receive operation of said radiating element and said transmit/receive module or said performance monitor to test the transmit operation of said radiating element and said transmit/receive module; and switching means for concertedly operating said transmit switch, said line switch, said high power transmit/receive switch and said low power transmit/receive switch to selectively send said test signal through said transmit/receive module to test said transmit/receive module and its radiating element. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification