Systems and methods for multi-element antenna arrays with aperture control shutters
First Claim
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1. A method for controlling the direction of a beam radiated by an array of antenna elements using aperture control shutters, comprising:
- overlaying an array of aperture control shutters (ACSs) on the array of antenna elements, each ACS substantially covering an antenna element, wherein overlaying an array of ACSs comprises overlaying an array of impedances that reflect energy in those elements wherein an ACS is closed, and exhibit a radiation resistance in those elements wherein an ACS is open; and
controlling whether an antenna element radiates by controlling whether each individual ACS is open or closed by a signal provided to each ACS.
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Abstract
Embodiments include systems and methods for controlling beam direction of an array of antenna elements in a wireless communications system. In one embodiment, aperture control shutters substantially cover each radiating antenna element. Each aperture control shutter is selectively turned on or off to control the direction of a beam of the antenna array.
10 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method for controlling the direction of a beam radiated by an array of antenna elements using aperture control shutters, comprising:
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overlaying an array of aperture control shutters (ACSs) on the array of antenna elements, each ACS substantially covering an antenna element, wherein overlaying an array of ACSs comprises overlaying an array of impedances that reflect energy in those elements wherein an ACS is closed, and exhibit a radiation resistance in those elements wherein an ACS is open; and controlling whether an antenna element radiates by controlling whether each individual ACS is open or closed by a signal provided to each ACS. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 15, 16)
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8. A system for facilitating communication between a host device and a peripheral device by controlling an electromagnetic beam direction of an array of antenna elements, comprising:
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an array of aperture control shutters (ACSs), each ACS substantially covering an element of the antenna array, wherein the array of ACSs comprises an array of impedances that reflect energy in those elements wherein an ACS is closed, and exhibit a radiation resistance in those elements wherein an ACS is open; and a control mechanism for selecting at least one ACS to allow radiation from the element it covers in order to provide a directed beam to a peripheral device for communication between the host device and the peripheral device. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification