Abstract: A reconfigurable wide band phased array antenna for generating multiple antenna beams for multiple transmit and receive functions. The antenna array comprises multiple long non-resonant TEM slot antenna apertures with RF MEMS switches disposed within the slots. The RF MEMS switches are positioned directly within the feed lines across the slots to directly control the coupling of RF energy to the slots. Multiple RF MEMS switches are used within each slot, which allows multiple transmit/receive functions and/or multiple frequencies to be supported by each slot. The frequency coverage provided by the slot antenna has a greater than 10:1 frequency range.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting, and a signal comprising multiple frequency bands from a single slot antenna are disclosed. The system comprises a slot antenna and a micro-electro-mechanical (MEM) switch, coupled to the slot antenna. The MEM switch is opened and closed, thereby changing the resonant frequency of the slot antenna. The slot antenna transmits a first frequency when the MEM switch is open and a second frequency when the MEM switch is closed. The method for transmitting a first frequency and a second frequency from a slot antenna comprises the steps of transmitting the first frequency from the slot antenna, closing a micro-electro-mechanical (MEM) switch coupled across the slot antenna, therein changing the resonant frequency of the slot antenna, and transmitting the second frequency from the slot antenna after the MEM switch is closed.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting, and a signal comprising multiple frequency bands from a single slot antenna are disclosed. The system comprises a slot antenna and a micro-electro-mechanical (MEM) switch, coupled to the slot antenna. The MEM switch is opened and closed, thereby changing the resonant frequency of the slot antenna. The slot antenna transmits a first frequency when the MEM switch is open and a second frequency when the MEM switch is closed. The method for transmitting a first frequency and a second frequency from a slot antenna comprises the steps of transmitting the first frequency from the slot antenna, closing a micro-electro-mechanical (MEM) switch coupled across the slot antenna, therein changing the resonant frequency of the slot antenna, and transmitting the second frequency from the slot antenna after the MEM switch is closed.

Abstract: A wideband end-fire array including columns or sub-arrays of flared notch radiating elements spaced along an end-fire axis and fed by a true-time-delay corporate feed network. The feed network includes a corporate feed manifold and a plurality of cables connected between a respective manifold port and a balun comprising a corresponding radiating element. The plurality of cables have corresponding electrical line lengths adapted to provide progressive time delays to signals carried between the radiating elements and the feed manifold so as to equalize the time delays due to spacing of the elements along the axis.

Abstract: An omnidirectional antenna structure that includes oppositely facing, parallel first and second planar dipole arrays (11, 12), each dipole array including side by side substantially identically shaped planar dipole elements (110) having expanded shape dipole wings (51c, 52c). Also disclosed is a sectorial coverage antenna that includes a single planar array of side by side substantially identically shaped planar dipole elements having expanded shape dipole wings.

Abstract: A waveguide seal (16) which provides reliable mechanical contact and which reduces the electrical breakdown in the area of a waveguide joint (10). The seal (16) includes a dovetailed groove (40) into which is inserted a helical coil (30). During assembly, flanges (18) of the interconnected waveguides (12, 14) are then compressed against the helical coils (30) on each side of the seal (16). The helical coil (30) is then partially compressed and provides reliable mechanical connection between the waveguides (12, 14) and the interposed seal (16). Further, a gap (58) in predefined areas between the seal (16) and the waveguide flanges (18) provides for significantly reduced electrical breakdown in the joint area, thereby providing a better electrical connection.

Abstract: A transmission line-to-waveguide transition that includes a microstrip impedance transformer for matching the impedance of an input transmission line to that of a flared slotline is disclosed. The slotline's width is sufficiently small such that when the transition is inserted into a waveguide the slotline is spaced inward from the waveguide's inner walls. A balun bi-directionally couples the unbalanced signal on the microstrip to a balanced signal on the slotline. The signal propagates along the slotline and is capacitively coupled to the waveguide. A trimmable tuning stub is used to adjust the resonant frequency of a parasitic cavity formed between the transition and the waveguide to increase the transition's effective bandwidth. A tapered dielectric insert is positioned inside the waveguide to decrease its size and to improve the coupling efficiency of the transition.

Abstract: A calibration and diagnostic system and method for evaluating the performance of a wide band array utilizing a true-time-delay beamforming network. A short pulse typically on the order of a 2 nanoseconds is synthesized by transmission of a large number of discrete, equally spaced frequencies over the bandwidth over a short period of time, during which the system response (amplitude and phase) is measured and stored in a computer. The collected data is then transformed into the time domain to demonstrate the range resolution of the system. By signal injection with a built-in calibration system, the setting of each programmable delay line of the array can be calibrated. A fiber-optic test set is used as a transponder in the far field to perform complete end-to-end tests of the array system.

Abstract: A wideband radiating element including an input mechanism for receiving electromagnetic energy from a source and a balanced feeding mechanism extending from the input mechanism for transmitting the electromagnetic energy and for providing impedance matching over a range of frequencies. Finally, a dipole mechanism extending from the balanced feeding mechanism is provided for radiating the electromagnetic energy where the dipole mechanism has a shape to provide wide bandwidth impedance matching. In a preferred embodiment, an input mounting block is connected to the two opposing sides of a planar dielectric substrate. A balanced narrow conductor slot line extends from the input mounting block on both sides of the dielectric substrate to transmit the electromagnetic energy and to provide impedance matching over a frequency range of (0.5 to 18) GHz. The narrow conductor slot line is tapered to match the radiation resistance of a dipole element utilized to radiate the electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: A balun structure including a dielectric substrate having top and bottom surfaces on which are formed a splitter/combiner, a reference transmission line of length A and substantially constant characteristic impedance, and an inverting transmission line of length A and substantially constant characteristic impedance. The inverting transmission line in particular includes a first tapered planar section disposed on the top surface of the substrate and transitioning along its length from a narrow width to a wide width, and a second tapered planar section disposed on the bottom surface of the substrate and transitioning along its length from a wide width to a narrow width, such that the first and second tapered planar sections are rotated mirror images of each other.

Abstract: A compact, dual series waveguide feed network is disclosed which has application to monopulse radar antennas and is usable in applications requiring compact and light weight feed networks. The network in accordance with the invention uses phase shifters at the phase reversal points of the secondary (42) feed lines to establish a 180.degree. relative phase difference with the corresponding phase reversal point of the primary feed line. No phase shifters are used in the crossguide feed lines (44). Because of the invention's phase shifter arrangement, crossguide lines (44) may be located directly opposite each other instead of being staggered as in prior techniques; hence the size of the network is reduced and resolution is increased. Also, the primary and secondary feed lines may be located closer together because there are no phase shifters with associated matching and transition devices located in the crossguide feed lines.