Abstract: A manifold combiner for a plurality of radio frequency electromagnetic signals includes a first RF bandpass filter element with input and output ports and a first junction element, wherein the first junction element includes a first port connected to the first filter output port, a second port connected to a shorted stub element, and a third port functioning as an output. The signal path toward the stub appears as an open to the first filter. The combiner further includes at least one additional filter element and junction element, with the second port of the additional junction element fed from the output of the previous junction element. Interconnecting sections couple the respective elements. Dimensions of interconnecting sections are selected such that each filter element output sees a single path out of the manifold, through the output of the last junction element, with all other possible paths appearing as open circuits.

Abstract: A manifold combiner for a plurality of radio frequency electromagnetic signals includes a first RF bandpass filter element with input and output ports and a first junction element, wherein the first junction element includes a first port connected to the first filter output port, a second port connected to a shorted stub element, and a third port functioning as an output. The signal path toward the stub appears as an open to the first filter. The combiner further includes at least one additional filter element and junction element, with the second port of the additional junction element fed from the output of the previous junction element. Interconnecting sections couple the respective elements. Dimensions of interconnecting sections are selected such that each filter element output sees a single path out of the manifold, through the output of the last junction element, with all other possible paths appearing as open circuits.

Abstract: A transmitter-combining broadcast system and method is provided that allows IBOC-compatible broadcast with simple analog-to-IBOC upgradeability with high efficiency. At full power, a standard analog signal and an IBOC-compatible digital signal are transmitted by combining the output of a wide-band transmitter containing VHF-FM analog and in-band digital signals with the output of a second transmitter containing VHF-FM analog alone. By shifting signal phase, two analog signals can be combined with low loss, and net power waste can be reduced by at least 80%. The approach enables full IBOC upgradeability for existing analog-only systems, including reuse of existing transmitting equipment. Full IBOC compliance is supported, including during operation with reduced power. Switchover between partial and full power operating modes can be performed without full system shutdown.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for transmitting analog and digital signals using a single traveling wave structure with radiators attached thereto, to form broadside radiation of the digital and analog signals.

Abstract: A transmitter-combining broadcast system and method is provided that allows IBOC-compatible broadcast with simple analog-to-IBOC upgradeability with high efficiency. At full power, a standard analog signal and an IBOC-compatible digital signal are transmitted by combining the output of a wide-band transmitter containing VHF-FM analog and in-band digital signals with the output of a second transmitter containing VHF-FM analog alone. By shifting signal phase, two analog signals can be combined with low loss, and net power waste can be reduced by at least 80%. The approach enables full IBOC upgradeability for existing analog-only systems, including reuse of existing transmitting equipment. Full IBOC compliance is supported, including during operation with reduced power. Switchover between partial and full power operating modes can be performed without full system shutdown.

Abstract: A high power switching matrix constructed using stacked housings of common rows and common columns joined together by thimble sections. The switching assembly of the switching matrix is isolated from the housing using insulators provided with rotary bearings in which the switching assembly is mounted. Servicing of the switching matrix and replacement of components parts is accomplished through disassembly of the modular components.

Abstract: A high power switching matrix constructed using stacked housings of common rows and common columns joined together by thimble sections. The switching assembly of the switching matrix is isolated from the housing using insulators provided with rotary bearings in which the switching assembly is mounted. Servicing of the switching matrix and replacement of components parts is accomplished through disassembly of the modular components.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for transmitting analog and digital signals using a single traveling wave structure with radiators attached thereto, to form broadside radiation of the digital and analog signals.

Abstract: A directional coupler for coupling r.f. energy in a waveguide system from a main channel waveguide to a subsidiary channel waveguide, the coupling being in the range between about -3 dB to -15 dB. The coupler comprises a single coupling slot at the junction between the main channel waveguide and the subsidiary channel waveguide with an arrangement for decoupling the slot to yield the desired coupling, the arrangement including first and second posts in the plane of the junction. A further provision involves inductively loading the junction, the loading being provided at the plane of the junction. The provision for inductively loading the junction is an "inverted" button, in the form of capped-off holes, the depth of the holes being adjusted to vary the directivity of the coupler.

Abstract: A reconfigurable beam-forming network for use with a transmitter has a waveguide R-switch that is interconnected with a Magic T. The R-switch contains phasing elements and is connected to a dual-mode power-dividing network, which in turn is connected to first, second and third region power-dividing networks, each having their own feed horn array. The R-switch can be moved to three different positions so that in a first position power is divided between two input ports of the dual-mode network on substantially a fifty-fifty basis with the power on the two input ports being out of phase on a positive basis. In a second position of the R-switch, power is also divided on substantially a fifty-fifty basis between the two input ports but the power is out of phase between the two ports on a negative basis. In a third position of the R-switch, substantially all of the power entering the R-switch is passed into the first input port of the dual-mode network.