Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A control system is presented for controlling operation of a phased-array antenna comprising N antenna elements each comprising H and V polarization terminals. The control system includes: an analogue circular polarization system (ACTS) and a digital polarization control system (DPCS). The ACPS comprises an array of N analogue circular polarization circuits (ACPCs) associated with said N antenna elements, respectively, such that each ACPC is connectable to the V and H polarization terminals of the respective antenna element. The ACPS is configured and operable with N analog circular polarization signal components each being either left or right circular polarization signal. The DPCS comprises: an array of N convertors associated with said N ACPCs, respectively, for converting between the N analog circular polarization (ACP) signals and N respective digital circular polarization (DCP) signals, such that each antenna element is associated with a respective single one of said N convertors; an array of N digital polarization controlled beamformers (DPCBs) connectable to said N convertors; and a plurality of digital signal splitters and/or combiners. Each DPCB comprises at least two beam forming channels associated with at least two, first and second, respective beams of different beam directions and/or different polarizations being operated by the antenna element, and is configured and operable to apply phase shifting to the respective DCP signal based on data indicative of a beaming direction (α) of a respective beam to be operated and the left or right polarization of circular polarization signal, and a relative phase (Φ) associated with the beaming direction (α) and a location of the respective antenna element in the array, to thereby form at least

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim