Abstract: A phased array antenna that is configured to enable a connectorless interface between a signal ear of a phased array antenna and a feed line of a printed circuit board is provided. In a first connectorless configuration, a post of a signal ear of a radiating element extends through the base plate beyond a second side of the base plate, and through a via of a PCB. The via is electrically connected to a feed line of the PCB, and the post is soldered to the feed line. In a second connectorless configuration, the signal ear post is connected to a feed line of a PCB by contact with a first ball of a ball grid array (BGA), wherein the first ball is connected to the feed line. The phased array antennas provided herein include single ended antennas and differential antennas.

Abstract: Described herein are feed networks for phased array antennas. An exemplary feed combiner assembly for a phased array antenna can electrically combine multiple radiating elements in a column for connection to a common feed line of a feed network. This enables transmission of a signal to the multiple radiating elements with a single feed line, reducing the number of feed lines required for feeding the radiating elements. The feed combiner assembly can provide for a more compact feed network and easier replacement than a conventional feed line connection configuration. Each radiating element of the phased array antenna can have a capacitive coupling portion that capacitively couples the radiating element to adjacent radiating elements. The spacing between adjacent radiating elements can be controlled by a non-conductive, overmolded spacer disposed on the capacitive coupling portion, which aligns and maintains a minimum separation between adjacent radiating elements.

Abstract: Described herein, according to various aspects, are ultra-wideband, phased array antennas that include non-conductive components that are selectively plated in a conductive material. An exemplary antenna can include a plurality of signal ears and ground ears that are formed along with a base plate from which they extend in an additive manufactured process, thereby reducing the cost and time of manufacturing relative to conventional manufacturing processes. The signal ears and ground ears can be made out of a non-conductive material and selectively plated in a conductive material, thereby allowing for the electrical isolation of certain components, which can increase the operational bandwidth relative to conventional antennas made out of or fully plated in a conductive material.