{
  "patent_number": "US 12738648",
  "country": "US",
  "title": "How a Digital Phased Array Antenna System Works",
  "original_title": "System and method for a digitally beamformed phased array feed",
  "summary": "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.",
  "what_it_does": "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.",
  "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'."
  ],
  "filed": "2025-01-31",
  "granted": "2026-09-15",
  "expires": null,
  "status": "active",
  "holder": null,
  "holder_url": null,
  "inventors": [],
  "times_cited": 0,
  "tags": [
    "telecommunications",
    "semiconductors",
    "aerospace",
    "consumer_electronics",
    "defense"
  ],
  "abstract": "Systems and methods are provided for a digital beamformed phased array feed. The system may include a radome configured to allow electromagnetic waves to propagate; a multi-band software defined antenna array tile; a power and clock management subsystem configured to manage power and time of operation; a thermal management subsystem configured to dissipate heat generated by the multi-band software defined antenna array tile; and an enclosure assembly. The multi-band software defined antenna array tile may include a plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements; a plurality of frequency converters; and a plurality of digital beamformers.",
  "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12738648/system-and-method-for-a-digitally-beamformed-phased-array-feed",
  "markdown_url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12738648/system-and-method-for-a-digitally-beamformed-phased-array-feed/md",
  "google_patents_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/US12738648",
  "relatedPatents": []
}