Patent attributes
A hybrid beamforming device utilizes analog beamformers (ABF) and digital beamformers (DBF) to produce a desired radio frequency radiation pattern having one or more lobes pointing in particular directions. A set of directions, such as each pointing toward a different candidate area of the sky, are processed to determine a coarse direction. ABF beam coefficients are determined based on the coarse direction. DBF beam coefficients are determined based on the directions in the set of directions, providing more precise directionality in the pattern. The ABF beam coefficients may be sent to the ABFs at a first cadence, such as every second. The DBF beam coefficients may be sent to the DBFs at a second cadence that is faster than the first cadence, such as every millisecond. This facilitates rapid scanning of different precision directions, such as of different portions of the sky to receive a broadcast transmission from a satellite.
