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Abstract

Wideband phased array antennas are provided that eliminate the need for phase shifters in the region of the array face. In addition, they generate less beam squint than conventional antennas. In one embodiment, they include an electronic signal generator, reference and scanning manifolds and an array of n radiative modules. The signal generator generates a variable-frequency scanning signal s.sub.s and a reference signal s.sub.r wherein the frequency of the reference signal s.sub.r is substantially a selected one of the sum and the difference of the frequencies of the scanning signal s.sub.s and an operating signal s.sub.o. The reference manifold receives and divides the reference signal s.sub.r into n reference signal samples which are progressively time delayed by a selectable one of m reference differential time delays .DELTA.t.sub.r. The scanning manifold receives and divides the scanning signal s.sub.o into n scanning signal samples which are progressively time delayed by a scanning differential time delay .DELTA.t.sub.s. Each of the radiative modules includes a mixing device, an electromagnetic radiator and a filter. The mixing device receives and mixes a respective one of the reference signal samples and a respective one of the scanning signal samples. The filter couples the mixing device to the radiator and is configured to pass the operating signal s.sub.o. Accordingly, an antenna beam is radiated from the array at m selectable scan angles with each of the scan angles varying in response to the frequency of the scanning signal s.sub.s. Multiband and two-dimensional embodiments are shown and described. The wideband characteristics of these antennas are especially suited for radar, electronic warfare and high data-rate communication applications.

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First Claim