# A Digital Antenna System for Steering Radio Signals > This patent describes a digital antenna system that uses multiple small antennas and digital processing to precisely aim radio signals across different frequency bands, while also managing power and heat. - **Patent:** US 12738651 - **Original title:** System and method for a digitally beamformed phased array feed - **Granted:** 2026 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 0 - **Field:** telecommunications, semiconductors, aerospace, consumer_electronics ## What it does This patent details a system for a digital beamformed phased array feed. It includes a radome, which is a protective cover that allows radio waves to pass through. Inside, there's a multi-band software defined antenna array tile. This tile contains many small, coupled dipole antenna elements, along with frequency converters to shift signal bands and digital beamformers to precisely steer the radio signals. The system also features dedicated subsystems for managing power and timing, and for dissipating heat generated by the antenna tile, all housed within an enclosure assembly. For example, this system could be used in a 5G base station to direct signals to specific user devices. ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover antenna systems that use analog methods for beamforming instead of digital beamformers. - Does not cover single-band antenna systems, as it specifies a 'multi-band' array. - Does not cover antenna arrays that are not 'software defined', meaning their operation cannot be easily reconfigured through software. - Does not cover antenna systems that lack specific thermal management or power and clock management subsystems as described. - Does not cover antenna arrays that do not include coupled dipole array antenna elements as described in the system. ## The clever bit The novelty lies in combining multi-band, software-defined capabilities with digital beamforming within a compact antenna array tile, alongside integrated power, clock, and thermal management. This allows for a highly flexible and efficient system that can dynamically steer multiple radio beams across various frequencies while managing its own operational needs. ## Real-world examples 1. 5G base stations 2. Satellite communication terminals (e.g., for broadband internet) 3. Advanced radar systems 4. Electronic warfare systems 5. Wireless backhaul equipment ## Why it matters Digital beamforming is a core technology for modern wireless communication, enabling more efficient use of radio spectrum and targeted data delivery. This system's multi-band and software-defined capabilities are crucial for flexible and high-performance networks like 5G and advanced satellite communication. The inclusion of integrated power, clock, and thermal management addresses practical challenges in deploying such complex antenna arrays. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does A Digital Antenna System for Steering Radio Signals cover? This patent describes a digital antenna system that uses multiple small antennas and digital processing to precisely aim radio signals across different frequency bands, while also managing power and heat. ### 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? Digital beamforming is a core technology for modern wireless communication, enabling more efficient use of radio spectrum and targeted data delivery. This system's multi-band and software-defined capabilities are crucial for flexible and high-performance networks like 5G and advanced satellite communication. The inclusion of integrated power, clock, and thermal management addresses practical challenges in deploying such complex antenna arrays. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover antenna systems that use analog methods for beamforming instead of digital beamformers. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12738651/system-and-method-for-a-digitally-beamformed-phased-array-feed-12738651 **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US12738651 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [How to Tune Multi-Antenna Systems for Better Wireless Signals](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11115136/method-for-calibrating-an-array-antenna-in-a-wireless-communication-system-and-a) — This patent describes a step-by-step method for fine-tuning the many small antennas in an array to make sure they work together perfectly, improving signal quality in wireless communication systems. - [How Intel's Transceiver Chip Manages Wireless Signals](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11955732/wireless-communication-technology-apparatuses-and-methods) — Intel's 2024 patent describes a transceiver chip with patch antennas on one side and an RFIC with a protective shield on the other, designed to improve wireless communication by managing interference. - [How 5G Networks Intelligently Switch Your Phone's Connection Beams](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12231284/network-architecture-methods-and-devices-for-a-wireless-communications-network) — This patent describes how a 5G network efficiently manages and switches the directional radio signals (beams) your phone uses, especially when needing to look beyond its current cell tower. - [How Satellite Swarms Keep Their Solar Panels and Antennas Pointed Correctly](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11623768/super-heavy-booster) — A system for managing large satellite arrays in orbit that balances the need to point solar panels at the sun and antennas at the Earth while keeping the structure stable. - [Smart Surfaces That Bend Radio Waves](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11843171/multi-layer-reconfigurable-surface-for-an-antenna) — Samsung's patent describes a special surface made of tiny cells that can change how radio waves bounce off it, directing them precisely where needed.