Abstract: The present invention provides a petal reflector antenna that comprises a main reflector having a paraboloid shape and a plurality of identical petals, a feed assembly that includes a horn, a wideband junction, a holder, and a hybrid coupler connected to a diplexer and a multiplexer. The petal reflector antenna further comprises a protective radome cover, a horn, a subreflector, and a support station member for quickly and conveniently set up over a desired ground location. The petal reflector antenna can operate simultaneously in the K, Ka, Ku receive, and Ku transmit frequency bands.

Abstract: A phased array antenna including a plurality of antenna element units mounted to a panel having a first side and a second side. Each antenna unit includes a step aperture integrated radiating (STAIR) antenna element mounted to the first side of the panel and having an outer cylindrical waveguide, a septum polarizer including a plurality of steps and a septum feed structure, and a right hand circularly polarized (RHCP) feed structure electrically coupled to the septum feed structure. Each antenna unit further includes a triplexer module mounted to the second side of the panel and being responsive to a plurality of linearly polarized signals to be transmitted by the STAIR element, where the triplexer module operates to combine the plurality of linearly polarized signals and provide the combined signal to the RHCP feed structure to be converted by the septum polarizer to a circularly polarized signal for transmission.

Abstract: A method and apparatus forming an efficient and compact waveguide feed with all components for processing signals in multi-frequency band antenna feeds with single/dual linear/circular polarizations with/without tracking. This layout results in a very compact feed, which has excellent electrical characteristics, is mechanically robust, eliminates flange connections between components, and is very cost effective. The new layout eliminates the dummy ports and bends at least one filter element is bent to an acute angle, thereby enabling a high density packaging of the microwave feed network; and wherein a plurality of single sided corrugations are located along the bent filter element. In this design high density arrays of feeds can be realized for satellite communication.

Abstract: A method and apparatus forming an efficient and compact waveguide feed with all components for processing signals in multi-frequency band antenna feeds with single/dual linear/circular polarizations with/without tracking. The layout can be realized in a split block configuration using any number of fabrication methods, such as brazing, electroforming, and machining and is most effective when it is realized in a split-block construction, in which the waveguide components are formed in the recesses split about the zero current line. This layout results in a very compact feed, which has excellent electrical characteristics, is mechanically robust, eliminates flange connections between components, and is very cost effective.

Abstract: An “inside out” process is used to make RF antennas and components or higher frequency components and/or optics. An electroformed single or multi layer of metal, such as copper, is applied to a reusable or disposable mandrel. Additional metal or composite components and/or pieces may be attached to the electroform by means of further electroforming, and/or applying adhesive and/or soldering. Any composite material (for example, fiberglass or carbon fiber reinforced plastic) is then applied selectively or uniformly around the electroform and/or additional components for structural reinforcement, and/or enhancement of thermal stability and/or thermal conductivity. The mandrel is then removed by physical or chemical means. Adhesion over temperature and humidity extremes, surface finish, uniform metalization thickness, and surface electrical conductivity are all vastly improved over equivalent electroplated composites.

Abstract: An “inside out” process is used to make RF antennas and components or higher frequency components and/or optics. This invention is especially useful for spaceflight components requiring high performance at low weight, components requiring high specific stiffness and/or strength and components requiring high performance, precision or stability. An electroformed single or multi layer of metal, such as copper, is applied to a reusable or disposable mandrel. Additional metal or composite components and/or pieces may be attached to the electroform by means of further electroforming, and/or applying adhesive and/or soldering. Any composite material (for example, fiberglass or carbon fiber reinforced plastic) is then applied selectively or uniformly around the electroform and/or additional components for structural reinforcement, and/or enhancement of thermal stability and/or thermal conductivity. The mandrel is then removed by physical or chemical means.