Abstract: Dielectric inserts providing positional support for components of antenna arrays. A system includes a coaxial pin in electromagnetic communication with an antenna array, and a dielectric insert configured to provide positional support for the coaxial pin. The dielectric insert includes a shaft comprising a central hollow space defined by a wall, and further includes a plurality of fins attached to the shaft. The system is such that the dielectric insert forms an interference fit with one or more of the coaxial pin or the antenna array.

Abstract: An antenna array is provided that includes a plurality of radiating elements and one or more combiners. The plurality of radiating elements and the combiners are formed as a single indivisible metal element by use of additive manufacturing processes.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices of additive manufacturing (3D printing) of complex structures made of surfaces including at least some of which that are orthogonal to each other. Specifically disclosed herein are build orientations used to manufacture complex metal structures with a build chamber of an additive manufacturing printer. The novel build orientations allow the fabrication of components with a minimum of support structure.

Abstract: Electrical connectors and means for facilitating electromagnetic communication between an antenna array and a circuit board. A system includes a circuit board comprising an electrically conductive pad, a coaxial pin, and a spring pin configured to be disposed around at least a portion of the coaxial pin. The spring pin enables the coaxial pin to maintain an electrical connection with the electrically conductive pad of the circuit board.

Abstract: Waveguides, transitions, and conductors for propagating electromagnetic energy. An assembly includes a waveguide transition device comprising two or more coaxial waveguides. The assembly includes a radiating component comprising two or more radiating elements configured to receive or transmit electromagnetic energy through two or more signal ears, wherein each of the two or more signal ears is in communication with a coaxial waveguide of the two or more coaxial waveguides.

Abstract: Improved waveguides, transitions, and conductors for propagating electromagnetic energy. A device includes a waveguide port, two or more coaxial waveguides, and a transition disposed between the waveguide port and the two or more coaxial waveguides. The transition combines or divides electromagnetic energy propagating between the waveguide port and the two or more coaxial waveguides.

Abstract: The invention includes various embodiments of integrated dual-band printed antenna feeds having various combinations of electrical and structural components for use with a prime focus, ring focus, or Cassegrain dish antennas. All of the embodiments of dual-band antenna feeds disclosed herein are configured to be fabricated as a single structure using metal additive manufacturing techniques.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include waveguide switch rotors, stators, waveguide switch housings and meander clamping mechanisms. Embodiments of a meander clamping mechanism may be used to connect arbitrary objects to one another. A meander clamping mechanism is particularly useful for connecting a rotor to a motor shaft and also for securing a bearing between a stator and rotor.

Abstract: Waveguides, transitions, and conductors for propagating electromagnetic energy. An assembly includes a waveguide transition device comprising two or more coaxial waveguides. The assembly includes a radiating component comprising two or more radiating elements configured to receive or transmit electromagnetic energy through two or more signal ears, wherein each of the two or more signal ears is in communication with a coaxial waveguide of the two or more coaxial waveguides.

Abstract: Improved waveguides, transitions, and conductors for propagating electromagnetic energy. A device includes a waveguide port, two or more coaxial waveguides, and a transition disposed between the waveguide port and the two or more coaxial waveguides. The transition combines or divides electromagnetic energy propagating between the waveguide port and the two or more coaxial waveguides.

Abstract: Antenna arrays comprising planar combiner networks. An apparatus includes a first antenna component comprising a first multiplexer and a second antenna component comprising a second multiplexer. The apparatus is such that the first antenna component is located next to the second antenna component within an antenna array and the apparatus is disposed within a lattice spacing of the antenna array.

Abstract: Antenna arrays comprising planar combiner networks. An apparatus includes a first antenna component comprising a first waveguide combiner and a first radiating element. The apparatus includes a second antenna component comprising a second waveguide combiner and a second radiating element. The second radiating element supports a polarization that is orthogonal to a polarization of the first radiating element, and the first antenna component is located next to the second antenna component within an antenna array. The first antenna component and the second antenna component are disposed within a lattice spacing of the antenna array.

Abstract: Waveguide filters comprising ridges disposed within a waveguide cavity for selecting electromagnetic signals within a frequency passband. An apparatus includes a waveguide filter comprising a waveguide cavity and a plurality of ridges disposed within the waveguide cavity. The apparatus is such that each of the plurality of ridges comprises a first side and a second side, and wherein the first side and the second side are disposed at a non-orthogonal angle relative to one other. The apparatus is optimized for fabrication using metal additive manufacturing techniques.

Abstract: Waveguide filters comprising ridges disposed within a waveguide cavity for selecting electromagnetic signals within a frequency passband. An apparatus includes a waveguide filter comprising a waveguide cavity and a plurality of ridges disposed within the waveguide cavity. The apparatus is such that each of the plurality of ridges comprises a first side and a second side, and wherein the first side and the second side are disposed at a non-orthogonal angle relative to one other. The apparatus is optimized for fabrication using metal additive manufacturing techniques.

Abstract: Antenna arrays comprising planar combiner networks. An apparatus includes a first antenna component comprising a first multiplexer and a second antenna component comprising a second multiplexer. The apparatus is such that the first antenna component is located next to the second antenna component within an antenna array and the apparatus is disposed within a lattice spacing of the antenna array.

Abstract: A combiner network is provided. A combiner network may include a corporate combiner. The corporate combiner may include a first plurality of radiation elements. The corporate combiner may include a first H-plane combiner connected to the first plurality of radiation elements and connected by a U-bend to a first E-plane combiner. The corporate combiner may include a second H-plane combiner connected to the first E-plane combiner. The corporate combiner may further include a first port. A plurality of corporate combiners may be assembled together as a combiner network.

Abstract: Antenna arrays and structures for propagating electromagnetic signals. A waveguide cross-section is disclosed that may be implemented as a hollow irregular hexagonal metal structure that receives an electromagnetic signal and propagates the electromagnetic signal through the hollow hexagonal metal structure. The waveguide may be fabricated using metal additive manufacturing techniques and include one or more downward facing and unsupported surfaces.

Abstract: Dielectric inserts providing positional support for components of antenna arrays. A system includes a coaxial pin in electromagnetic communication with an antenna array, and a dielectric insert configured to provide positional support for the coaxial pin. The dielectric insert includes a shaft comprising a central hollow space defined by a wall, and further includes a plurality of fins attached to the shaft. The system is such that the dielectric insert forms an interference fit with one or more of the coaxial pin or the antenna array.

Abstract: Dielectric inserts providing positional support for components of antenna arrays. An antenna array includes a radiating element configured to receive or transmit an electromagnetic signal and an alignment horn attached to the radiating element, wherein the alignment horn comprises a detent end. The antenna array is such that the radiating element and the alignment horn are manufactured together as a single element by a three-dimensional printing process such that manufacturing the single element does not require a separate joining process for joining separate components.

Abstract: A waveguide disclosed herein may be implemented as a hollow irregular hexagonal metal structure which receives an electromagnetic signal and propagates the signal through the hollow hexagonal metal structure. The waveguide may be fabricated using metal additive manufacturing techniques and include one or more downward facing and unsupported surfaces.