System and method for highly directional electronic identification and communication and combat identification system employing the same

Abstract

An antenna for directional electronic communication and a directional communication system are provided. In one embodiment, the antenna includes: (1) a conductive shield having an opening at an end thereof, (2) a Luneberg lens located within said conductive shield and (3) a radio frequency signal conveyor located proximate a portion of said Luneberg lens that is distal from said opening.

1 . An antenna for directional electronic communication, comprising:
 a conductive shield having an opening at an end thereof;   a Luneberg lens located within said conductive shield; and   a radio frequency signal conveyor located proximate a portion of said Luneberg lens that is distal from said opening.   
     
     
         2 . The antenna as recited in  claim 1  wherein said radio frequency signal conveyor is configured to transmit diverging radio frequency signals to said Luneberg lens and receive substantially collimated radio frequencies signals from said Luneberg lens. 
     
     
         3 . The antenna as recited in  claim 1  further comprising a protective shell surrounding said conductive shield wherein said protective shell substantially supports said conductive shield. 
     
     
         4 . The antenna as recited in  claim 3  further comprising an end cap coupled to said protective shell. 
     
     
         5 . The antenna as recited in  claim 1  wherein said antenna produces radio frequency signals having a carrier frequency of between about 4 GHz and about 30 GHz. 
     
     
         6 . The antenna as recited in  claim 5  wherein said carrier frequency is about 17 GHz. 
     
     
         7 . The antenna as recited in  claim 5  wherein said radio frequency signals bear digital data. 
     
     
         8 . The antenna as recited in  claim 1  wherein said conductive shield comprises copper. 
     
     
         9 . The antenna as recited in  claim 1  wherein said conductive shield has a thickness less than about 0.1 inch. 
     
     
         10 . The antenna as recited in  claim 1  further comprising a retainer ring bearing against said Luneberg lens. 
     
     
         11 . The antenna as recited in  claim 1  wherein said Luneberg lens has a diameter between about four inches and about eight inches. 
     
     
         12 . The antenna as recited in  claim 1  wherein said antenna has a 3 decibel beamwidth of about 7°. 
     
     
         13 . The antenna as recited in  claim 1  wherein said antenna has a null-to-null beamwidth of about 14°. 
     
     
         14 . The antenna as recited in  claim 1  wherein said antenna is configured to communicate with a second directional antenna to form a point-to-point communication link. 
     
     
         15 . A directional communication system, comprising:
 a base station having an antenna including:
 a conductive shield having an opening at an end thereof, 
 a Luneberg lens located within said conductive shield, and 
 a radio frequency signal conveyor located proximate a portion of said Luneberg lens that is distal from said opening; and 
   a transceiver configured to receive signals from said antenna based on a direction relative thereto.   
     
     
         16 . The directional communication system as recited in  claim 15  further comprising multiple transceivers configured to receive signals from said antenna based on a direction relative thereto.