ACTIVE INTEGRATED MICROSTRIP ANTENNA

摘要

An antenna element suitable for use in a phased array antenna comprises a travelling wave structure (60) formed by a plurality of microstrip transmission line segments (R1-Rm) connected in series by one or more active circuit devices (A1-Am-1). The active circuit devices are controllable to modify the phase and/or magnitude of the signal propagating in the travelling wave structure. The active circuit devices provide the capability to control electronically the radiation pattern of the individual elements by modifying the phase and/or magnitude of the signal in different line segments. Such active antenna elements may be fabricated in various configurations, for example circular, linear and folded. The active circuit devices may comprise phase shifters and/or time delay shifters and/or amplifiers and/or alternators.