Abstract: A method of manufacturing an antenna assembly includes additively manufacturing an element that is a monolithic structure and that includes (i) a ground plane including one or more aperture slots, (ii) a patch antenna above the ground plane, and (iii) a sacrificial support feature to support the patch antenna above the ground plane. The method further includes applying a dielectric material between the ground plane and the patch antenna. In an example, applying the dielectric material between the ground plane and the patch antenna includes providing a dielectric foam between the ground plane and the patch antenna, where the dielectric foam at least in part supports the patch antenna above the ground plane. The method further includes removing at least a section of the sacrificial support feature, such that any remnant of the support feature does not physically couple the ground plane to the patch antenna.

Abstract: The system for a collapsible direction finding antenna. The antenna comprising a rigid central portion and a plurality of foldable arms. The antenna is aerial/kite lifted once launched from a tube to provide increased line of sight above a surface. The antennas being launchable from a UUV, a user in the field, and the like. The antenna being a full azimuth direction finding antenna. In some cases, operating at a wide matched frequency of 1 to 6 GHz.

Abstract: The system for a collapsible direction finding antenna. The antenna comprising a rigid central portion and a plurality of foldable arms. The antenna is aerial/kite lifted once launched from a tube to provide increased line of sight above a surface. The antennas being launchable from a UUV, a user in the field, and the like. The antenna being a full azimuth direction finding antenna. In some cases, operating at a wide matched frequency of 1 to 6 GHz.

Abstract: A tightly coupled dipole array is an egg-crate configuration defined by a plurality of electrically connected antenna unit cells. At least one of the unit cells utilizes a short or conductive element that shorts the common mode resonance. Shorting the common mode resonance in an intentional manner removes instances of the common mode resonance. To achieve the shorting of the common mode resonance, a conductive element is connected with one of the dipole arms and connected to the outer conductor of the feed or a ground plane. This creates a grounding loop that pushes the resonance out of the band of interest.

Abstract: The system for an antenna assembly for use on unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV). The antennas are low-cost, lightweight, single-use, and have a small form factor amenable to use on a micro-UUV. A central post and pivotally attached arms form an antenna (e.g., a monopole) that is lifted via an aerial, kite, or the like, when deployed from the UUV to extend the line of site of the antenna several meters above the surface of the water. In some cases, the antenna may be used on a number of UUVs in a swarm formation.

Abstract: A tightly coupled dipole array is an egg-crate configuration defined by a plurality of electrically connected antenna unit cells. At least one of the unit cells utilizes a short or conductive element that shorts the common mode resonance. Shorting the common mode resonance in an intentional manner removes instances of the common mode resonance. To achieve the shorting of the common mode resonance, a conductive element is connected with one of the dipole arms and connected to the outer conductor of the feed or a ground plane. This creates a grounding loop that pushes the resonance out of the band of interest.

Abstract: An endfire antenna structure is disclosed that is for use on aerodynamic systems. The antenna structure includes a first layer of patterned metal, a second layer of patterned metal, and a stack of material layers that includes the first layer of patterned metal and the second layer of patterned metal. The first layer of patterned metal includes a plurality of parallel slots etched through the metal. The second layer of patterned metal includes a tapered radio frequency (RF) feedline having a narrow end coupled to an input/output (I/O) antenna connection. The second layer of patterned metal is aligned over the first layer of patterned metal such that the tapered RF feedline has a length that extends across the plurality of parallel slots. The stack of material layers is flexible such that the stack of material layers is configured to wrap at least partially around the fuselage of an aerodynamic system.

Abstract: An array antenna has a plurality of antenna unit cells arranged in rows and columns, or in another configuration. Each unit cell from the plurality of unit cells includes a circularly polarized radiator and a balun. The array antenna further includes a reactive element or a circuit element (such as a capacitor or resistor or even an inductor) on the circularly polarized radiator that is coupled an adjacent unit cell in one of the row and the column. A spacing distance between adjacent unit cells coupled via the circuit element that is at most half of a wavelength at a frequency maximum of the array antenna, wherein the spacing distance reduces likelihood of grating lobes.

Abstract: An array antenna has a plurality of antenna unit cells arranged in rows and columns, or in another configuration. Each unit cell from the plurality of unit cells includes a circularly polarized radiator and a balun. The array antenna further includes a reactive element or a circuit element (such as a capacitor or resistor or even an inductor) on the circularly polarized radiator that is coupled an adjacent unit cell in one of the row and the column. A spacing distance between adjacent unit cells coupled via the circuit element that is at most half of a wavelength at a frequency maximum of the array antenna, wherein the spacing distance reduces likelihood of grating lobes.

Abstract: The mezzanine card system and method of use thereof provides a baseboard having opposing sides, each side configured to receive a mezzanine card thereon. A plurality of mezzanine cards are provided having integrated circuits, such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays, fixedly attached thereon. The mezzanine cards of the system reduce reprogramming time from about 15 months to about six weeks. This drastic reduction in reprogramming time provides great advantages for circuitry systems, especially when these systems are used within battlefield and electronic warfare technology. The surfaces of the baseboard are an Electroless Nickel, Electroless Palladium, and Immersion Gold (ENEPIG) plated finish.