Abstract: A fixture attached to the rear of the base plate of a semi automatic screen printer includes an element holder having a vertical recess or pocket for receiving an assembly, such as a substrate, of LTCC laminate material lengthwise therein so as to expose only one side surface to the printing head which would otherwise be prevented because of the height restrictions imposed by the printer head.

Abstract: Slots or apertures are formed in the connector shroud of a T/R module in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connector so as to allow plating solution to flow freely through the entire inner portion of the connector, particularly the rear portion, during fabrication of the T/R module. The slots are formed prior to the shroud being brazed on to the module substrate. By allowing plating solution to flow through the connector, the interior of the connector can be more thoroughly plated, thereby improving the yield of the assembly while reducing cost.

Abstract: An LTCC module includes a base on one or more surfaces for receiving one or more external components to be attached to the module. A base is formed of a plurality of layers of metallization in a predetermined pattern. The layers include an adhesion layer on the LTCC module surface, with one or more intermediate layers, followed by a top layer. The module is fired with each application of the layers at a reduced temperature lower than the normal cofiring temperature of the LTCC module, but of sufficient value to partially sinter the layers. After the last applied top layer, the module is fired once at an elevated temperature to fully sinter the layers.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a transmit/receive (T/R) module utilizing low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) material in place of high temperature co-fired ceramic (HTCC) material and utilizing a combination of multiple lamination steps which also include forming a ceramic frame, as opposed to a metal ring frame, in the process. Brazing metallization is also utilized to attach heat sinks and lids as well as pin connectors. The formation of the pin connectors is provided on the side surface of the T/R module with a side printing process.

Abstract: A phased array includes a first plurality of radiators having a first polarization and a second plurality of radiators having a second polarization, different from said first polarization. The phased array is constructed such that radiating patterns of the first and second plurality of radiators are congruent. The radiators are constructed so that they radiating apertures thereof can occupy virtually the same space, i.e., the spacing of the radiating elements is less than a wavelength. Other features provided allow this compactness to be achieved. Impedance matching features are integrated into the radiators themselves. The elevation assemblies of the radiators are mated together, and then are coupled across to their respective azimuth assemblies. Two azimuth assemblies for either type of polarization may be provided when monopulse operation is required.

Abstract: A method of fabricating ferrite toroids used in ferrite phase shifters. The method employs fabrication techniques found in low temperature cofired ceramics (LTCC) tape technology and involves fabricating long rectangular through-holes, as is required by the toroid design, in layers of green ceramic tape and maintaining the integrity of the through-holes during a firing process wherein ferromagnetic ceramic oxide in the tape is converted to ferrite.

Abstract: A cavity pattern for a laminated structure such as a substrate for integrated circuitry is formed in a sheet of unfired low temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) material also known as "green" tape. One sheet at a time is placed in a flexible ram forming die including a resilient rubber pressure pad and a template including the pattern to be formed in the sheet. A pair of outer pressure plates hold the pressure pad and template in place. When a sheet of unfired LTCC material is placed between the pressure pad and template and pressurization is applied to the outer plates, extrusion of the rubber material through the template causes the tape to be sheared off at the edges of the holes in the template, thus effectively cutting the required pattern in the sheet. Following pressurization, the sheet now with the pattern cut therein is removed from the die and the residual tape cut-outs are subsequently removed from the template by a vacuum.