Abstract: A new class of antennas and microwave components are introduced. In this approach a high-permittivity dielectric film is applied (i.e. printed) on a dielectric substrate, which may be grounded. By changing the shape of the high-permittivity film, different microwave devices (e.g. waveguides, filters, couplers, and antennas) are produced. By changing the size and permittivity of the high-permittivity film and dielectric substrate, these elements are designed at different frequencies for different applications. Highly-efficient microwave devices can result due to the absence of surface currents.

Abstract: A phase modulator for direct wideband linear phase modulation of a microwave continuous wave carrier signal which is suitable for many analog and digital phase or frequency modulation techniques. Linear phase modulation range in excess of 360 degrees is provided as a result of linear variation in the modulating signal. A conditioned baseband modulating signal is injected into a highly linear fractional range phase shifter, operating at a subharmonic of the desired output frequency. A nonlinear circuit is used to perform frequency and instantaneous phase multiplication, thus expanding the linear phase modulation range to greater than 360 degrees at the desired output frequency. With special conditioning of the baseband modulating signal, the phase modulator can be made frequency agile in ultra-small frequency steps, without requiring a stable, frequency agile reference signal or frequency synthesizer.

Abstract: A phase shifter/modulator which provides linear phase control of a microwave continuous wave carrier signal. Linear phase shift range in excess of 360 degrees is provided as a result of linear variation in control voltage. A reference signal, at a subharmonic of the output carrier signal frequency, is injected into a highly linear fractional range reflection type phase shifter. This fractional phase modulated signal is input to a field effect transistor (FET) based frequency/phase multiplier. The frequency/phase multiplier translates the subharmonic reference signal to the desired output carrier frequency with the full 360 degree phase shift range imposed on the output carrier signal.

Abstract: A direct QAM modulator for generating a high power QAM modulated signal at microwave frequencies comprises a hybrid to create the required RF signals for I and Q paths. In each path, a rat-race coupler is used to get the in phase and out of phase RF signal. The subsequent circuit blocks in each path consist of a single pole double throw switch (SPDT) switched by the polarity of the incoming data, a reflection attenuator, implemented by using forward biased pin diode terminations and controlled by the absolute values of the baseband pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) signal, and a variable reflection phase shifter to adjust for the phase error. To realize modulated signal filtering and to compensate for the nonlinearities, a combined prefiltering and predistortion block is used to shape the baseband PAM signal in each path. Finally, a power combiner is used to combine signals from the two paths into one high power QAM modulated and filtered output signal at microwave frequency.

Abstract: A Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying modulator that provides direct modulation of a carrier signal, produced by a single microwave high power voltage controlled oscillator. A continuous phase frequency shift keyed modulated signal with a modulation index of 0.5 is produced at the desired output frequency using a full 360 degree linear continuous phase modulator, controlled by a linear baseband signal that is the integral of the binary baseband information signal. This modulated signal is used as the reference signal for a phase locked high power voltage controlled oscillator. The phase locked loop provides frequency tracking and Gaussian spectral shaping to the modulated output signal.