Viasat, Inc.
ANTENNA SYSTEM WITH A BEAMFORMING DATA MODULATOR

Abstract:

One example includes a phased array antenna system. The system includes a beamforming network to receive a beam signal to generate a plurality of element signals, each being provided to a respective one of a plurality of antenna elements. The system also includes a plurality of modulation controllers, each associated with a respective one of the plurality of antenna elements. Each of the modulation controllers can generate a beam code in response to a beamforming signal and a data code in response to a data signal. The system further includes a plurality of element adjustment circuits, each associated with a respective one of the plurality of antenna elements. Each of the plurality of element adjustment circuits can modulate the beam code and the data code onto a respective one of the plurality of element signals to generate a respective adjusted element signal that is provided to a respective radiating element.