12 GHz Scanning Spot Beam Phased Array for Satellite Communication

The implementation of a fast scanning spot beam phased array system for satellite communications is discussed. The integration of a 16 element linear phased array, phase shifters, phase memory and sequencer, and a controller is shown. This system also incorporates a novel self-cohering technique for automatic beam forming under program control. Up to 256 beam pointing directions can be accommodated by the present phase memory with programmable dwell times of 2.5 μsec (or longer) on individual ground stations. Beam orientation (switching) times of well under 10 nsec were measured. This figure represents one of the fastest beam switching speeds to be achieved to date.