How a Digital Phased Array Antenna System Works
This patent describes a compact, multi-band antenna system that uses digital technology to steer radio waves, allowing it to communicate in multiple directions and frequencies without physically moving.
Original patent title: “System and method for a digitally beamformed phased array feed”
This patent describes a compact, multi-band antenna system that uses digital technology to steer radio waves, allowing it to communicate in multiple directions and frequencies without physically moving. Granted in 2026.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This system provides a way to create and receive radio signals using a digitally controlled antenna. It includes a protective cover called a radome that lets radio waves pass through, and a 'multi-band software defined antenna array tile' which is the core component. This tile contains many small antenna elements, frequency converters to change signal types, and digital beamformers that electronically direct the radio waves. The system also integrates power, clock, and thermal management to keep everything running smoothly and cool, all housed within an enclosure assembly. For example, it could be used in a satellite dish to quickly switch between communicating with different ground stations or satellites without needing to physically re-aim the dish.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover antenna systems that use only analog components for beamforming, as it specifies 'digital beamformers'.
- Does not cover single-band antenna systems, as it specifies a 'multi-band software defined antenna array tile'.
- Does not cover antenna arrays that are not 'software defined', meaning their operating parameters cannot be easily changed through software.
- Does not cover systems that rely on mechanical steering of the antenna elements rather than electronic beamforming.
- Does not cover antenna designs that do not include a 'plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements'.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The noveltynoveltyThe requirement that an invention be different from anything publicly known before its priority date.Read more → lies in integrating a multi-band, software-defined antenna array with digital beamforming, along with dedicated power, clock, and thermal management, into a compact 'tile' within an enclosure. This allows for a highly flexible and efficient system that can electronically steer beams and operate across various frequencies, all configurable by software.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
5G cellular base stations
Satellite internet terminals (e.g., Starlink user terminals)
Advanced radar systems for defense and weather
Aircraft and spacecraft communication systems
High-throughput satellite payloads
Why it matters
The bigger picture
Digitally beamformed phased array feeds are crucial for modern communication, enabling faster, more flexible, and more efficient wireless connections. They are essential for applications requiring precise directional control of radio signals, such as satellite internet, advanced radar systems, and next-generation 5G cellular networks. Their ability to handle multiple frequencies and adapt through software makes them highly versatile.
Filed
January 31, 2025
Granted
September 15, 2026
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Major telecommunications equipment providers like Ericsson, Nokia, and Huawei are actively developing and deploying digital beamforming technologies for 5G networks. Satellite communication companies such as SpaceX (Starlink), OneWeb, and Viasat are also heavily invested in similar phased array technologies for their satellite constellations and user terminals. Defense contractors like Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin utilize these systems for advanced radar and electronic warfare applications.
Market impact
This technology has significantly impacted the telecommunications market by enabling the rollout of 5G networks, which rely on beamforming for higher speeds and capacity. It has also revolutionized satellite internet by allowing smaller, more efficient user terminals that can track satellites without mechanical movement. The integration of software-defined capabilities has made these systems more adaptable and upgradeable, driving innovation across various wireless communication sectors.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This system provides a way to create and receive radio signals using a digitally controlled antenna. It includes a protective cover called a radome that lets radio waves pass through, and a 'multi-band software defined antenna array tile' which is the core component. This tile contains many small antenna elements, frequency converters to change signal types, and digital beamformers that electronically direct the radio waves. The system also integrates power, clock, and thermal management to keep everything running smoothly and cool, all housed within an enclosure assembly. For example, it could be used in a satellite dish to quickly switch between communicating with different ground stations or satellites without needing to physically re-aim the dish.
The clever bit
The novelty lies in integrating a multi-band, software-defined antenna array with digital beamforming, along with dedicated power, clock, and thermal management, into a compact 'tile' within an enclosure. This allows for a highly flexible and efficient system that can electronically steer beams and operate across various frequencies, all configurable by software.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover antenna systems that use only analog components for beamforming, as it specifies 'digital beamformers'.
- Does not cover single-band antenna systems, as it specifies a 'multi-band software defined antenna array tile'.
- Does not cover antenna arrays that are not 'software defined', meaning their operating parameters cannot be easily changed through software.
- Does not cover systems that rely on mechanical steering of the antenna elements rather than electronic beamforming.
- Does not cover antenna designs that do not include a 'plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements'.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
0/20
Narrow claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$18K – $58K
Midpoint $36K · 18.3 yr remaining · industry ×1.5
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
Concepts involved
Cite this patent
(2026). How a Digital Phased Array Antenna System Works (U.S. Patent No. 12,738,648). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12738648/system-and-method-for-a-digitally-beamformed-phased-array-feed
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How a Digital Phased Array Antenna System Works cover?
This patent describes a compact, multi-band antenna system that uses digital technology to steer radio waves, allowing it to communicate in multiple directions and frequencies without physically moving.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
Digitally beamformed phased array feeds are crucial for modern communication, enabling faster, more flexible, and more efficient wireless connections. They are essential for applications requiring precise directional control of radio signals, such as satellite internet, advanced radar systems, and next-generation 5G cellular networks. Their ability to handle multiple frequencies and adapt through software makes them highly versatile.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover antenna systems that use only analog components for beamforming, as it specifies 'digital beamformers'.
Patent monitoring