Abstract: A dual polarized mechanical scan antenna capable of rapid beam scanning includes a parabolic reflector having an elliptically shaped solid metal central section with conductive parallel grids extending therefrom to the perimeter of the paraboloid to form two outer grided sections. The axis of the parabolic reflector and the radiation axis of the feed antenna, positioned at the focus in alignment therewith, is positioned at a predetermined angle from a reference axis of the system. A polarization twist reflector is positioned at the focus for pivoting about the perpendicular to the reference axis. Dual polarization is realized when the twist plate is positioned such that the antenna system receives signals along paths that clear the parabolic reflector.

Abstract: This invention provides shielded and wireless connectors for interconnecting electronic circuit boards that are stacked in metal carriers. Serial interconnectors through the carriers provide transmission line paths through the stacked layers through connector assemblies embedded in and fed through each carrier in collinear alignment with each other. Each of the embedded feed through connector assemblies has upper and lower button connectors interconnected by a metal conductor, all positions within an axial hole formed by a pair of substantially cylindrical dielectric inserts. The upper and lower button connectors protrude from the upper and lower surfaces of the upper and lower adjacent circuit boards, respectively. This invention provides connector assemblies having the ability to withstand very high inertial forces without degradation of the electrical contact with the metal pads of the respective circuit boards.

Abstract: An active voltage divider circuit is applied to the loop filter of a phase-lock loop, thereby providing a variable gain factor, wherein the gain with large phase error is substantially greater than the gain with small phase error. This results in improved acquisition time for large frequency offsets, while providing in the phase-lock state the same performance as a conventional loop having the same natural loop frequency and damping factor. By sampling the applied radio frequency signal with an amplitude detector and applying the sampled output and the output of a phase sensitive detector to an analog divider, amplitude variations of the input signal are cancelled, thereby making the loop filter essentially independent of the amplitude of the input signal. In a further embodiment the input signal is coupled to a quadrature detector wherefrom I and Q output signals are coupled to a divider which provides error signals to the loop filter that are independent of the input signal amplitude.

Abstract: A microwave bridge circuit for measuring frequency modulation noise signals arising in low power, high frequency sources having a highly non-constant FM noise versus baseband frequency characteristic includes amplifying and filtering means for excluding signals in frequency ranges beyond the field of interest and frequency response compensator means of attenuating signals outside the primary range of interest.

Abstract: A method of forming a microwave integrated circuit is disclosed. A hole is bored in an alumina substrate and a plug having a diameter substantially equal to the hole is provided. The hole and the perimeter of the plug are coated with a thermally fusable dielectric composition and the plug is embedded in the hole. Heating the substrate fuses the plug is place and crystalizes the composition into a glass with compatible thermal expansion. At least one face of the substrate and plug are then polished to provide a planar surface. The metalized circuit is then formed on this assembly, which minimizes conductive tracking on the substrate and facilitates alignment of the circuit with the plug.

Abstract: A linearally polarized multiport multimode feed for a reflector type antenna generates a plurality of beams, each in a different pointing direction, from a single radiating aperture. Each beam possesses a distinct phase center determined by the waveguide modes establishing the aperture distribution for that beam. The feed is linear and bilateral, therefore may be utilized in a receiving or transmitting antenna.