Abstract: An antenna structure and associated method are disclosed that provides a lightweight and reduced-cost antenna element. The antenna structure may include a printed circuit board material coupled to a support structure. The printed circuit board may include electrical circuitry patterns and may have components mounted thereon to provide desired transmit and receive functionality, for example, to provide radio frequency transmit/receive functionality along with phase shifter and control circuitry. The support structure may be a light-weight material, for example, a space-qualified foam material that is strong and light-weight. The combined antenna structure of the present invention may thereby form a strong, rigid and light-weight antenna structure that may be used as sub-array elements in an antenna array, such as an ESA system.

Abstract: A Rotman lens (12, 13) includes a first insulating layer (26) having a high dielectric constant and a second insulating layer (46) having a low dielectric constant. Metalization provided on the first insulating layer includes a lens portion (28), and metalization provided on the second insulating layer includes a plurality of transmission lines (48) and bootlace lines (52). A plurality of via openings are provided through at least one of the insulating layers, and each contain conductive material (33, 38) which electrically couples the lens portion to a respective one of the transmission lines or bootlace lines. A number of the bootlace lines physically overlap the lens portion, without electrical engagement therewith. A ground plane (63) on a further insulating layer (61) may be provided between the first and second insulating layers, in a manner free of electrical contact with the conductive material in the via openings.

Abstract: Micromechanical microwave switches with both ohmic and capacitive coupling of rf lines and integration in multiple throw switches useful in microwave arrays.