How a Compact Digital Phased Array Antenna System Works
This patent describes a system for an advanced antenna that can steer radio signals using digital technology, packed into a compact, managed unit.
Original patent title: “System and method for a digitally beamformed phased array feed”
This patent describes a system for an advanced antenna that can steer radio signals using digital technology, packed into a compact, managed unit. Granted in 2026.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This system provides a way to create a digital beamformed phased array feed, which is an antenna that can electronically steer radio signals. It includes a radome, which is a protective cover that allows electromagnetic waves to pass through. At its core is a multi-band software defined antenna array tile, which contains many small coupled dipole array antenna elements. These elements work with frequency converters and digital beamformers to process and direct signals. The entire system is managed by a power and clock management subsystem and a thermal management subsystem to handle heat, all housed within an enclosure assembly. For example, this system could allow a satellite dish to aim its signal very precisely without needing to physically move the entire dish.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover purely analog beamforming systems that steer signals without digital processing.
- Does not cover single-band antenna systems that operate only on one specific frequency range.
- Does not cover antenna systems that are not 'software defined' and cannot be reconfigured through software.
- Does not cover systems lacking integrated thermal or power management subsystems.
- Does not cover single antenna elements or non-array antenna designs.
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 multiple digital beamformers, frequency converters, and antenna elements into a compact, 'multi-band software defined antenna array tile' with built-in power and thermal management. This creates an efficient, adaptable, and self-contained system for precise signal steering.
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
Satellite internet terminals (e.g., Starlink dishes)
5G cellular base stations
Advanced military radar systems
Aircraft communication and navigation systems
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This technology is important because it allows for highly flexible and reconfigurable antennas. The software-defined aspects enable rapid adaptation to different communication needs or environments. Integrating thermal and power management is crucial for creating compact, high-performance systems that can operate reliably. Such systems are vital for modern communication infrastructure, including 5G networks, satellite internet, and advanced radar applications.
Filed
January 31, 2025
Granted
September 15, 2026
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Companies like SpaceX (Starlink), Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei (for 5G infrastructure), and defense contractors such as Raytheon and Northrop Grumman are actively developing and deploying phased array and digital beamforming technologies. These companies continuously work on creating more compact, efficient, and versatile antenna systems for various communication and sensing applications.
Market impact
This type of technology has enabled the development of smaller, more efficient, and highly versatile communication systems. It has been instrumental in the widespread deployment of advanced wireless networks like 5G and satellite internet, leading to faster data speeds and more reliable connections. The ability to electronically steer beams also allows for more adaptable and precise radar systems, impacting defense and automotive sectors.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This system provides a way to create a digital beamformed phased array feed, which is an antenna that can electronically steer radio signals. It includes a radome, which is a protective cover that allows electromagnetic waves to pass through. At its core is a multi-band software defined antenna array tile, which contains many small coupled dipole array antenna elements. These elements work with frequency converters and digital beamformers to process and direct signals. The entire system is managed by a power and clock management subsystem and a thermal management subsystem to handle heat, all housed within an enclosure assembly. For example, this system could allow a satellite dish to aim its signal very precisely without needing to physically move the entire dish.
The clever bit
The novelty lies in integrating multiple digital beamformers, frequency converters, and antenna elements into a compact, 'multi-band software defined antenna array tile' with built-in power and thermal management. This creates an efficient, adaptable, and self-contained system for precise signal steering.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover purely analog beamforming systems that steer signals without digital processing.
- Does not cover single-band antenna systems that operate only on one specific frequency range.
- Does not cover antenna systems that are not 'software defined' and cannot be reconfigured through software.
- Does not cover systems lacking integrated thermal or power management subsystems.
- Does not cover single antenna elements or non-array antenna designs.
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 Compact Digital Phased Array Antenna System Works (U.S. Patent No. 12,738,650). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12738650/system-and-method-for-a-digitally-beamformed-phased-array-feed-12738650
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 Compact Digital Phased Array Antenna System Works cover?
This patent describes a system for an advanced antenna that can steer radio signals using digital technology, packed into a compact, managed unit.
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?
This technology is important because it allows for highly flexible and reconfigurable antennas. The software-defined aspects enable rapid adaptation to different communication needs or environments. Integrating thermal and power management is crucial for creating compact, high-performance systems that can operate reliably. Such systems are vital for modern communication infrastructure, including 5G networks, satellite internet, and advanced radar applications.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover purely analog beamforming systems that steer signals without digital processing.
Patent monitoring