John B Colgan

US Patent:

48916510, Jan 2, 1990

Filed:

Oct 6, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/254016

Inventors:

John H. Staehlin - Lutherville MD
John R. Colgan - Lothian MD

Assignee:

Westinghouse Electric Corp. - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

H01Q 330

US Classification:

343853

Abstract:

A light plane assembly for use in a phased array antenna to provide a communication link between a phased array antenna control system and the individual phase control modules in the array. The light plane assembly includes a translucent member having a plurality of openings therethrough. Each opening is adapted to receive a phase control module having an optic signal detector mounted thereon. Each module is positioned in an opening so that the optic signal detector on the module lies within the opening. Light emitting diodes in optic communication with an edge surface of the translucent member are connected with a phased array antenna control system and are operable to convert an electrical information signal provided from the control system to an equivalent optic information signal. The light emitting diodes generate an optic information signal which is transmitted through the interior of the translucent member for detection by the optic signal detector on each phase control module.