# 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.

- **Patent:** US 12738650
- **Original title:** System and method for a digitally beamformed phased array feed
- **Granted:** 2026
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 0
- **Field:** telecommunications, consumer_electronics, aerospace, software, semiconductors

## What it does

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.

## 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.

## 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.

## Real-world examples

1. Satellite internet terminals (e.g., Starlink dishes)
2. 5G cellular base stations
3. Advanced military radar systems
4. Aircraft communication and navigation systems

## Why it matters

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.

## 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.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12738650/system-and-method-for-a-digitally-beamformed-phased-array-feed-12738650

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US12738650

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._