Abstract: Direct radiating array (“DRA”) antenna assemblies, methods of assembling a DRA antenna assembly, and systems for managing heat generated by a DRA antenna assembly are provided. A DRA antenna assembly includes: multiple radiating element modules, each radiating element module including a first dissipative component; multiple digital beamforming boards, each digital beamforming board having a radio frequency (“RF”) connection to and servicing a subset of the radiating element modules and including a second dissipative component; and a thermal plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, the radiating elements and the digital boards mounted to the top surface and the bottom surface, respectively, such that the first and second dissipative components are heat sunk to the thermal plate. The thermal plate includes a plurality of passive two-phase flow devices embedded therein for transporting heat received from the first and second dissipative components away from an interior of the DRA assembly.

Abstract: A single-piece corrugated component, such as a feed horn, of an antenna includes a main body having a generally hollowed truncated pyramidal or conical shape which defines a body axis. The body extends from a base to an aperture, and includes a plurality of corrugations centered about the body axis, respectively. Each corrugation has a frustopyramidal ridge extending inwardly and locally perpendicularly from an inner surface of the main body at a ridge angle relative to the body axis varying between 10-60 degrees in a direction either toward the first end or the second end. A plurality of the frustopyramidal ridges have a respective inward virtual extension thereof crossing the body axis before intersecting the main body. A method of manufacturing the corrugated component includes the step of printing the component using an additive manufacturing technology.

Abstract: Provided herein is a deployable antenna assembly, a method of deploying an antenna, and systems and methods for sequentially deploying an extendable structure. The deployable antenna assembly includes an extendable pillar configured to extend in an axial direction along a deployment axis of the deployable antenna assembly to deploy an antenna. The extendable pillar includes at least one extendable element configured to convert between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration where the deployed configuration is longer in the axial direction than the stowed configuration. The extendable pillar also includes a launcher configured to initiate conversion of the plurality of extendable elements from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration, thereby extending the extendable pillar and deploying the antenna.

Abstract: A single-piece corrugated component, such as a feed horn, of an antenna includes a main body having a generally hollowed frustopyramidal shape which defines a body axis. The body extends from a base to an aperture, and includes a plurality of generally polygonal corrugations centered about the body axis, respectively. Each corrugation has a frustopyramidal ridge extending inwardly of the main body at an angle relative to the body axis varying between 10-60 degrees in a direction either toward the first end or the second end. A plurality of the frustopyramidal ridges are oriented to have a respective inward virtual extension thereof crossing the body axis and intersecting the main body. A method of manufacturing the corrugated component includes the step of printing the component using an additive manufacturing technology.

Abstract: A TEM-line network architecture for RF components used in antenna system, includes an electrically conductive main body forming an outer conductor defining a signal channel, and an electrically conductive center conductor electrically grounded to the main body at predetermined locations. The center conductor is electromagnetically isolated from the outer conductor at RF frequencies while being connected and supported within the signal channel only at at least one of the predetermined locations. The outer conductor is preferably formed of three layers with the center conductor being integral with one of the layers.

Abstract: A node and a strut connect to one another to form a spaceframe structure, in which the strut has a strut bending stiffness and defines a strut axis. The node has a main body and an arm connecting to and extending from the main body along the strut axis and toward the strut. The arm has a node end attaching to the main body, a strut end connecting to the strut and a midsection extending there between. The midsection includes a neck portion having a neck bending stiffness being less than 20% of the strut bending stiffness. The strut includes primary and secondary sections that axially slidably connect to one another to position them between adjacent respective end-fittings of adjacent nodes, and partially axially overlap and secure to one another and to the end-fittings respectively. At least one of the end-fittings connects to the strut end of the arm.

Abstract: A TEM-line network architecture for RF components used in antenna system, includes an electrically conductive main body forming an outer conductor defining a signal channel, and an electrically conductive center conductor electrically grounded to the main body at predetermined locations. The center conductor is electromagnetically isolated from the outer conductor at RF frequencies while being connected and supported within the signal channel only at at least one of the predetermined locations. The outer conductor is preferably formed of three layers with the center conductor being integral with one of the layers.

Abstract: A parasitic element for a helical antenna having at least one helix conductor extending from a secured first longitudinal end of the antenna to an opposite free second longitudinal end thereof around an antenna major-axis. The parasitic element includes an electrically conductive ring located adjacent and spaced apart from the second end in a direction leading away from the first end with the ring axis being parallel to and substantially collinear with the antenna major-axis. The ring has an outer diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the helix conductor at the second end.

Abstract: A parasitic element for a helical antenna having at least one helix conductor extending from a secured first longitudinal end of the antenna to an opposite free second longitudinal end thereof around an antenna major-axis. The parasitic element includes an electrically conductive ring located adjacent and spaced apart from the second end in a direction leading away from the first end with the ring axis being parallel to and substantially collinear with the antenna major-axis. The ring has an outer diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the helix conductor at the second end.