A Self-Steering Array Repeater

A n t e n n a directivity has become widely used to provide a high effective radiated power with only modest t r a n s m i t t e d power, particularly at microwave frequencies where a n t e n n a s h a v i n g apertures of m a n y wavelengths are of reasonable size. T h e precise aiming of t h e a n t e n n a s m a d e necessary by this high directivity requires t h e use of s t u r d y towers in terrestrial systems, and t h e proposed use of stabilized p l a t f o r m s for space applications. A n u m b e r of m e t h o d s of avoiding the requirement of a c c u r a t e orientation and stabilization based upon t h e V a n A t t a a r r a y concept 1 h a v e been proposed, 2 - 3 4 · 5 b u t each p u t s strict requirements upon t h e a r r a y shape, and none provides a common i n t e r m e d i a t e terminal where one m a y drop a n d / o r a d d channels. A n o t h e r m e t h o d 6 uses a phase-locked loop or servo control to a u t o m a t i c a l l y phase t h e reception f r o m each element for in-phase addition. 2013