{
  "patent_number": "US 12738649",
  "country": "US",
  "title": "How a Digital Phased Array Antenna Steers Radio Signals Electronically",
  "original_title": "System and method for a digitally beamformed phased array feed",
  "summary": "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.",
  "what_it_does": "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.",
  "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."
  ],
  "filed": "2025-01-31",
  "granted": "2026-09-15",
  "expires": null,
  "status": "active",
  "holder": null,
  "holder_url": null,
  "inventors": [],
  "times_cited": 0,
  "tags": [
    "telecommunications",
    "aerospace",
    "software",
    "semiconductors",
    "consumer_electronics"
  ],
  "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/12738649/system-and-method-for-a-digitally-beamformed-phased-array-feed-12738649",
  "markdown_url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12738649/system-and-method-for-a-digitally-beamformed-phased-array-feed-12738649/md",
  "google_patents_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/US12738649",
  "relatedPatents": []
}