Abstract: A system for generating a pseudomonopulse tracking error includes an antenna system (401) that generates a sum antenna beam and a difference antenna beam. The sum antenna beam has a pattern with a peak gain on the boresight axis, and the difference antenna beam has a pattern that is circularly symmetric and forms a null about the boresight axis. The difference antenna beam has a relative phase that varies 360 degrees around the boresight axis. A differential phase dispersion is provided as between the sum and difference RF channels (405, 407) to providing a rotating scanning plane (702).

Abstract: System for dynamically tracking a position of a target with an antenna in a communication system. The system includes an antenna system (410) configured for generating a sum and difference antenna pattern (201-1, 201-2). A sum RF channel (401) is coupled to a sum channel output of the antenna system. A difference RF channel (402) is coupled to a difference channel output of the antenna system. An RF coupler (422-1) is provided that has a first input coupled to the sum RF channel and a second input coupled to the RF difference channel. One or more coupling control devices (418-1, 418-2) selectively vary an effective coupling value as between the difference channel and the sum channel. An antenna tracking error signal is generated at an output of the coupler.

Abstract: An antenna fabrication scheme for shaped reflector analyzes the geometry of the shaped reflector to be fabricated. On the basis of this analysis, a surface of revolution which closely approximates the shaped reflector is defined. The axis of revolution of the generated surface can then be employed by a single reflector shaping tool to describe the surface of revolution a portion of which approximates that of the desired shaped reflector. The shaped reflector is then effectively removed from the described surface by defining the perimeter of the shaped reflector on the surface of revolution.

Abstract: An antenna fabrication scheme for shaped reflectors analyzes the geometry of the shaped reflector to be fabricated. On the basis of this analysis, a surface of revolution which closely approximates the shaped reflector is defined. The axis of revolution of the generated surface can then be employed by a single reflector shaping tool to describe the surface of revolution a portion of which approximates that of the desired shaped reflector. The shaped reflector is then effectively removed from the described surface by defining the perimeter of the shaped reflector on the surface of revolution.

Abstract: Modular-configured beam waveguide for transmitting microwave energy is formed of a plurality of cascaded modules each module containing a pair of reflecting surfaces, e.g. mirrors with the mirrors prealigned with one another and mounted in a supporting conduit or tube. Each tube or conduit module has a pair of orthogonal axes about which its joints with adjacent modules may rotate, so that with a plurality of such modules interconnected with one another, the overall configuration of serially connected modules may follow substantially any desired path. If desired, a module may be configured of a single L-shaped tube or cylinder at the bend of the L of which there is interiorly disposed an aligned mirror, either flat or curved, e.g. substantially elliptically configured for focussing purposes. The tubular construction may be conductive or nonconductive, its prime purpose being to provide support, rigidity and strength, as well as impermeability to external environmental conditions.

Abstract: A rotary coupler for coupling a microwave signal to a rotating antenna is disclosed. The preferred embodiment comprises a section of waveguides formed into a circle and split into two pieces along the long wall of the waveguide. The two sections of waveguide are positioned to rotate with respect to each other with energy coupled into one portion of the waveguide along its narrow wall and coupled out of the second portion along its narrow wall. An isolation element is utilized at both the input and output ports to assure directional coupling into the split wall waveguide. More than one of the coupling devices can be monitored around a ship's mast, for example, to couple a plurality of microwave systems to a single multiple bandwidth rotating antenna.