How a Digital Phased Array Antenna Steers Radio Signals Electronically
This patent describes a system that uses many small antennas and digital processing to precisely aim and receive radio signals, like a smart, electronic spotlight for radio waves.
Original patent title: “System and method for a digitally beamformed phased array feed”
This patent describes a system that uses many small antennas and digital processing to precisely aim and receive radio signals, like a smart, electronic spotlight for radio waves. Granted in 2026.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent details a system for creating and directing radio beams using an array of small antennas. The core of the system is a 'multi-band software defined antenna array tile' which contains many 'coupled dipole array antenna elements' that send and receive radio waves. These signals are then processed by 'frequency converters' to adjust their frequency and 'digital beamformers' which electronically combine and steer the signals. The entire assembly is protected by a 'radome' and includes dedicated 'power and clock management' and 'thermal management subsystems' to ensure proper operation. For example, such a system could electronically track a moving satellite without physically rotating, by adjusting the timing and phase of signals from each antenna element.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover antenna systems that rely on mechanical movement to steer a radio beam.
- Does not cover purely analog beamforming techniques without digital signal processing.
- Does not cover antenna systems that operate only on a single, fixed frequency band.
- Does not cover basic antenna designs that use only a single radiating element.
- Does not cover systems that lack specific thermal or power management subsystems as described.
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 combining a multi-band software-defined antenna array with digital beamformers and integrated management systems. This allows for electronic steering and shaping of radio beams across multiple frequency bands using software, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical parts.
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
Advanced military radar systems
Directional Wi-Fi antennas
Wireless communication systems
Why it matters
The bigger picture
Digitally beamformed phased array feeds are critical for modern communication, radar, and satellite systems. They allow for rapid, precise, and flexible control over radio signals, which is essential for high-speed data transmission and advanced sensing. This technology enables more efficient use of radio spectrum and allows for smaller, more versatile antenna designs in various applications.
Filed
January 31, 2025
Granted
September 15, 2026
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Major telecommunication equipment providers like Ericsson, Nokia, and Huawei heavily invest in digital beamforming for 5G infrastructure. Companies such as SpaceX (Starlink) and OneWeb utilize similar phased array technologies for their satellite internet constellations. Defense contractors like Raytheon and Lockheed Martin also develop advanced radar systems based on these principles. Semiconductor companies like Analog Devices and NXP create the specialized chips needed for digital beamforming.
Market impact
This technology enables highly flexible and efficient use of radio spectrum, leading to significant advancements in wireless communication. It allows for faster data rates, more reliable connections, and increased capacity in cellular networks and satellite communications. The ability to electronically steer beams reduces the physical size and complexity of high-performance antennas, making them suitable for a wider range of applications and driving innovation in compact, powerful communication devices.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent details a system for creating and directing radio beams using an array of small antennas. The core of the system is a 'multi-band software defined antenna array tile' which contains many 'coupled dipole array antenna elements' that send and receive radio waves. These signals are then processed by 'frequency converters' to adjust their frequency and 'digital beamformers' which electronically combine and steer the signals. The entire assembly is protected by a 'radome' and includes dedicated 'power and clock management' and 'thermal management subsystems' to ensure proper operation. For example, such a system could electronically track a moving satellite without physically rotating, by adjusting the timing and phase of signals from each antenna element.
The clever bit
The novelty lies in combining a multi-band software-defined antenna array with digital beamformers and integrated management systems. This allows for electronic steering and shaping of radio beams across multiple frequency bands using software, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical parts.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover antenna systems that rely on mechanical movement to steer a radio beam.
- Does not cover purely analog beamforming techniques without digital signal processing.
- Does not cover antenna systems that operate only on a single, fixed frequency band.
- Does not cover basic antenna designs that use only a single radiating element.
- Does not cover systems that lack specific thermal or power management subsystems as described.
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 Steers Radio Signals Electronically (U.S. Patent No. 12,738,649). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12738649/system-and-method-for-a-digitally-beamformed-phased-array-feed-12738649
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 Steers Radio Signals Electronically cover?
This patent describes a system that uses many small antennas and digital processing to precisely aim and receive radio signals, like a smart, electronic spotlight for radio waves.
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 critical for modern communication, radar, and satellite systems. They allow for rapid, precise, and flexible control over radio signals, which is essential for high-speed data transmission and advanced sensing. This technology enables more efficient use of radio spectrum and allows for smaller, more versatile antenna designs in various applications.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover antenna systems that rely on mechanical movement to steer a radio beam.
Patent monitoring