Abstract: A microwave stripline signal distribution system utilizes a central conductor that is supported on a substrate, which is itself captured and supported between two foam layers. External ground plane shielding is provided on each side of the foam/central-conductor-substrate sandwich. The metallic central conductor is thin, as are the other structural elements, leading to a lightweight signal distribution system. The central conductor may be patterned to provide a large number of feeds. The approach allows: the inexpensive fabrication of lightweight signal distribution boards, whose inputs and outputs may be combined to provide single-channel or multi-channel combination or division of microwave signals. In a typical application, there is combination or division of microwave signals in an antenna involving hundreds of individual feed horns.

Abstract: A choke-slot ground plane and antenna system 30 is disclosed. In one embodiment the choke-slot ground plane and antenna system 30 includes a monopole antenna 44, a ground plate 36 having a plurality of concentric annular grooves 38a-c. Other embodiments include a ground plane 36 having varying size grooves to 38a-l, a ground plane having grooves having filled with dielectric material 38a'-c', a ground plate having a broadened bandwidth and having a series of first and second-type grooves 34a-c and 38a"-c", and a ground plate having a frusto-conical shape 36a and 36b.