Abstract: A method of manufacturing semiconductor devices is disclosed which incorporates an array of bases formed on a plastic sheet. Each base in the array includes individual leads used to connect the semiconductor die to an external circuit. To keep the plastic sheet from flexing during assembly the plastic sheet is placed between a foundation and an anchor grid, where the foundation provides a rigid platform for the plastic sheet and the anchor grid hold the sheet to the foundation. Once the semiconductor dies have been attached to the bases, a protective cap is placed over the die. An adhesive sheet is then place over all the caps in the array allowing the array to be milled to separate the individual packages without scattering the devices.

Abstract: A resonator mounting apparatus for use in a circuit (10) captively secures and positions a resonator (40) within a resonator cavity (15). The resonator mounting apparatus uses a pedestal (60) attached to the base (12) of the resonator cavity and a web support (50) attached to a cover (30) for the resonator cavity. Both the pedestal and the web support slip fit into corresponding holes in either the base or the cover. The distance between the pedestal and the web support is chosen to secure the resonator therebetween. The pedestal includes a resonator engagement means such as a peg (70) which extends into the resonator cavity to engage a complementary hole (42) in the resonator. Alternately, a circumferential lip (64) extends from the pedestal to engage the resonator. The web support is designed to flex when engaging the resonator. The resonator mounting apparatus is preferably assembled by an automated assembler without the use of glue or epoxy.

Abstract: A low noise block feedhorn system includes a waveguide antenna for receiving RF signals. The transition element is a waveguide to coaxial line probe assembly which includes a high conductivity probe and a low loss dielectric sleeve. The dielectric sleeve has a ring spacer at its top and probe spacer at the bottom to provide an air gap between the dielectric sleeve and the probe. The dielectric sleeve concentrates the RF field next to the probe and the air gap reduces the field intensity of the probe surface. Thus, a proper impedance match between the waveguide and the probe with less conducting losses is provided. A low noise block downconverter has its preamplifier connected by its input impedance matching network to the coaxial cable. By replacing the coaxial cable with a coaxial transformer as a second transition element the network can be eliminated and the preamplifier connected directly to the coaxial transformer for a further improvement in loss.

Abstract: A dual band integrated feedhorn includes a housing having a rotatable support for a C band coaxial waveguide, a clamp for a Ku band waveguide, a Ku band waveguide slideably mounted in the clamp for focus adjustment, and a pair of low noise blocks connected to the waveguide output probes for downconverting their incoming modulated carrier C and Ku band signals to modulated IF signals. A servo drives the support member to position the waveguides energy output coupling probes to match the polarization of the incoming RF energy; thus, eliminating the need for polarizers and reducing insertion loss significantly. The reduced insertion loss enables defocusing of the Ku band waveguide to widen the half power beamwidth to improve aiming accuracy without decreasing the gain and degrading performance. A position adjustable scalar and a pair of power modules are attached exteriorly of the housing. The scalar is positioned adjacent the end of the C band waveguide for focusing the C band waveguide.