Abstract: An efficient, low-profile, lightweight fixed-beam (constant angle of departure) aperture antenna. The aperture antenna includes an array of horn radiators coupled to a waveguide diplexer by means of a stripline distribution network. The stripline distribution network is embedded in a printed wiring board (PWB), which PWB is sandwiched between a radiator plate (incorporating the horn radiators) and a diplexer plate. The aperture antenna may further include a backside ground plane made of metal. The diplexer plate and backside cover plate are configured to form the waveguide diplexer. Each horn radiator has a respective circular opening at one end adjacent to the PWB. The diplexer plate includes an array of circular waveguide backshorts which are congruent and respectively aligned with the circular openings of the horn radiators. The radiator plate further includes a rectangular waveguide backshort which is congruent and aligned with a rectangular port of the diplexer plate.

Abstract: An aircraft satellite communications system that communicates using satellite frequency bands. The aircraft satellite communications system comprises a base structure, transmitters, and receivers. The base structure has connectors arranged to correspond to connection points on an aircraft. The transmitters are connected to the base structure. The transmitters are configured to transmit using a first plurality of the satellite frequency bands. The receivers are connected to the base structure. The receivers are configured to receive using a second plurality of the satellite frequency bands. A selected transmitter in the transmitters transmits using a satellite frequency band in the satellite frequency bands is positioned at a distance from a selected receiver in the receivers using the satellite frequency band in the satellite frequency bands on the base structure with a number of other transmitters and receivers located between the selected transmitter and the selected receiver on the base structure.

Abstract: A sensor waveguide system includes a sensor waveguide and a plurality of sensors. The sensor waveguide includes a main body defining a peak, a base, an axis of rotation, and a plurality of waveguide channels. The main body converges from the base to the peak to create a predetermined tapered profile. The plurality of waveguide channels are oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the sensor waveguide and each waveguide channel defines an exit disposed at the base of the main body. A sensor is disposed at the exit of each of the plurality of waveguide channels.

Abstract: An efficient, low-profile, lightweight fixed-beam (constant angle of departure) aperture antenna. The aperture antenna includes an array of horn radiators coupled to a waveguide diplexer by means of a stripline distribution network. The stripline distribution network is embedded in a printed wiring board (PWB), which PWB is sandwiched between a radiator plate (incorporating the horn radiators) and a diplexer plate. The aperture antenna may further include a backside ground plane made of metal. The diplexer plate and backside cover plate are configured to form the waveguide diplexer. Each horn radiator has a respective circular opening at one end adjacent to the PWB. The diplexer plate includes an array of circular waveguide backshorts which are congruent and respectively aligned with the circular openings of the horn radiators. The radiator plate further includes a rectangular waveguide backshort which is congruent and aligned with a rectangular port of the diplexer plate.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system includes a monopulse radar antenna array of monopulse radar antenna segments mounted to a vehicle with respective fixed fields of view. Each monopulse radar antenna segment comprises a comparator network configured to form a sum signal representing a summation of return signals and a first difference signal representing a first difference of the return signals. The system further includes a user interface configured to present information in a form perceptible to a person operating the vehicle and a radar antenna array controller configured to calculate a range of the object and a first (azimuth) angle of arrival of the return signal from the object. The comparator network is further configured to form a second difference signal which the radar antenna array controller uses to calculate a second (elevation) angle of arrival.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to 3D phased array-antenna systems and devices. A system may include a 3D structure with its center located at an origin of a reference coordinate system that includes an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis extending from the origin of the reference coordinate system. The system may also include antenna arrays that have antenna elements configured to operate via electronic steering. The antenna arrays can be coupled to the 3D structure such that electronically steering antenna elements of the antenna arrays enables the antenna elements to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals simultaneously in numerous directions relative to the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis of the reference coordinate system. The system may be used in various applications, including data transmission and reception, radar, and broadband signaling.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to 3D phased array-antenna systems and devices. A system may include a 3D structure with its center located at an origin of a reference coordinate system that includes an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis extending from the origin of the reference coordinate system. The system may also include antenna arrays that have antenna elements configured to operate via electronic steering. The antenna arrays can be coupled to the 3D structure such that electronically steering antenna elements of the antenna arrays enables the antenna elements to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals simultaneously in numerous directions relative to the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis of the reference coordinate system. The system may be used in various applications, including data transmission and reception, radar, and broadband signaling.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system includes a monopulse radar antenna array of monopulse radar antenna segments mounted to a vehicle with respective fixed fields of view. Each monopulse radar antenna segment comprises a comparator network configured to form a sum signal representing a summation of return signals and a first difference signal representing a first difference of the return signals. The system further includes a user interface configured to present information in a form perceptible to a person operating the vehicle and a radar antenna array controller configured to calculate a range of the object and a first (azimuth) angle of arrival of the return signal from the object. The comparator network is further configured to form a second difference signal which the radar antenna array controller uses to calculate a second (elevation) angle of arrival.

Abstract: In examples, systems and methods for waveguide antenna arrays with integrated filters are described. An example waveguide antenna array element a waveguide section has a first end and second end. The waveguide section is configured to propagate electromagnetic energy. The waveguide antenna array element also includes a feed configured to launch an electromagnetic wave into the first end of the waveguide section. The waveguide antenna array element also includes a waveguide filter having at least one waveguide cavity coupled to the second end of the waveguide section. The waveguide filter is configured to pass a first set of electromagnetic frequencies and reject a second set of electromagnetic frequencies. Yet further, the waveguide antenna array element includes an antenna coupled to the waveguide filter configured to radiate a portion of the electromagnetic energy passed by the waveguide filter.

Abstract: In examples, systems and methods for waveguide antenna arrays with integrated filters are described. An example waveguide antenna array element a waveguide section has a first end and second end. The waveguide section is configured to propagate electromagnetic energy. The waveguide antenna array element also includes a feed configured to launch an electromagnetic wave into the first end of the waveguide section. The waveguide antenna array element also includes a waveguide filter having at least one waveguide cavity coupled to the second end of the waveguide section. The waveguide filter is configured to pass a first set of electromagnetic frequencies and reject a second set of electromagnetic frequencies. Yet further, the waveguide antenna array element includes an antenna coupled to the waveguide filter configured to radiate a portion of the electromagnetic energy passed by the waveguide filter.

Abstract: Electronic devices may be provided with antenna arrays and wireless circuitry for handling wireless communications in satellite communications bands and other frequency bands of interest. A portable electronic device may have a housing with a peripheral edge. An array of antennas in the portable device may extend along the peripheral edge and may be coupled (directly or indirectly) to wireless circuitry that transmits and receives satellite communications signals and/or other wireless communications signals. The antennas may include dipole antennas. The dipole antennas may include edge dipole antennas with straight arms that extend parallel to one or more peripheral housing edges. Additionally or alternatively, the dipole antennas may include corner dipole antennas at the corners of the housing. The corner dipole antennas may have arms with bent tips. A ground plane in the center of the electronic device may serve as a reflector for the peripheral dipole antennas.

Abstract: Electronic devices may be provided with antenna arrays and wireless circuitry for handling wireless communications in satellite communications bands and other frequency bands of interest. A portable electronic device may have a housing with a peripheral edge. An array of antennas in the portable device may extend along the peripheral edge and may be coupled (directly or indirectly) to wireless circuitry that transmits and receives satellite communications signals and/or other wireless communications signals. The antennas may include dipole antennas. The dipole antennas may include edge dipole antennas with straight arms that extend parallel to one or more peripheral housing edges. Additionally or alternatively, the dipole antennas may include corner dipole antennas at the corners of the housing. The corner dipole antennas may have arms with bent tips. A ground plane in the center of the electronic device may serve as a reflector for the peripheral dipole antennas.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for a scalable planar phased array antenna subarray tile assembly. A scalable phased array antenna subarray tile assembly is implemented as a printed wiring board (PWB) with antenna elements coupled to the PWB. In one example, a PWB includes integrated circuit die attached directly to a first surface of the PWB and couple to antenna elements coupled on a second surface of the PWB. First conductive vias extend through a first subset of PWB layers and couple to the integrated circuit die. Second conductive vias, larger than the first, extend through a second subset of PWB layers and couple to the antenna elements. A conductive trace couples the first and second conductive vias on a PWB layer. The second conductive vias are offset from the first to provide a thermal mechanical stress relief to the integrated circuit die.

Abstract: A multi-function radio frequency (RF) system may include a shared phased array antenna subsystem for transmitting and receiving radar signals and communications signals. The system may also include an integrated electronics package configured for controlling operation of the shared phased array antenna subsystem. The integrated electronics package may include a modulator/demodulator subsystem. The modulator/demodulator subsystem may include a radar module that is selectively coupled to the shared phased array antenna subsystem for transmitting and receiving radar signals. The radar module is configured to transmit and receive radar signals through the shared phased array antenna subsystem. The modulator/demodulator subsystem may also include a communications module that is selectively coupled to the shared phased array antenna subsystem for transmitting and receiving communications signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for a scalable planar phased array antenna subarray tile assembly. A scalable phased array antenna subarray tile assembly is implemented as a printed wiring board (PWB) with antenna elements coupled to the PWB. In one example, a PWB includes integrated circuit die attached directly to a first surface of the PWB and couple to antenna elements coupled on a second surface of the PWB. First conductive vias extend through a first subset of PWB layers and couple to the integrated circuit die. Second conductive vias, larger than the first, extend through a second subset of PWB layers and couple to the antenna elements. A conductive trace couples the first and second conductive vias on a PWB layer. The second conductive vias are offset from the first to provide a thermal mechanical stress relief to the integrated circuit die.

Abstract: A switching device includes a first electrode at least partially disposed within a sealed chamber. The sealed chamber encloses a plasma phase change material. The switching device includes a second electrode at least partially disposed within the sealed chamber. The second electrode is physically separated from the first electrode. When subjected to a signal that satisfies a threshold, the plasma phase change material forms a plasma within the sealed chamber. The first electrode is electrically coupled to the second electrode via the plasma when the plasma is formed. The first electrode is electrically isolated from the second electrode when the plasma is not formed. The switching device includes a first connector electrically coupled to the first electrode and a second connector electrically coupled to the second electrode. The first connector, the second connector, or both, are configured to receive the signal.

Abstract: An integral phased array module may include a substrate and a radio frequency (RF) element provided in relation to the substrate. The RF element being configured to at least one of transmit and receive RF signals. The RF element includes a footprint of a particular size and shape with respect to the substrate and the substrate is sized to accommodate the footprint of the RF element. The integral phased array module may also include an optical function element configured to perform an optical function. The optical function element is located relative to the RF element on the substrate for integrating multi-band functionality into a single aperture.

Abstract: A multi-function radio frequency (RF) system may include a shared phased array antenna subsystem for transmitting and receiving radar signals and communications signals. The system may also include an integrated electronics package configured for controlling operation of the shared phased array antenna subsystem. The integrated electronics package may include a modulator/demodulator subsystem. The modulator/demodulator subsystem may include a radar module that is selectively coupled to the shared phased array antenna subsystem for transmitting and receiving radar signals. The radar module is configured to transmit and receive radar signals through the shared phased array antenna subsystem. The modulator/demodulator subsystem may also include a communications module that is selectively coupled to the shared phased array antenna subsystem for transmitting and receiving communications signals.

Abstract: A switching device includes a first electrode at least partially disposed within a sealed chamber. The sealed chamber encloses a plasma phase change material. The switching device includes a second electrode at least partially disposed within the sealed chamber. The second electrode is physically separated from the first electrode. When subjected to a signal that satisfies a threshold, the plasma phase change material forms a plasma within the sealed chamber. The first electrode is electrically coupled to the second electrode via the plasma when the plasma is formed. The first electrode is electrically isolated from the second electrode when the plasma is not formed. The switching device includes a first connector electrically coupled to the first electrode and a second connector electrically coupled to the second electrode. The first connector, the second connector, or both, are configured to receive the signal.

Abstract: An integral phased array module may include a substrate and a radio frequency (RF) element provided in relation to the substrate. The RF element being configured to at least one of transmit and receive RF signals. The RF element includes a footprint of a particular size and shape with respect to the substrate and the substrate is sized to accommodate the footprint of the RF element. The integral phased array module may also include an optical function element configured to perform an optical function. The optical function element is located relative to the RF element on the substrate for integrating multi-band functionality into a single aperture.