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: 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: 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: 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: Antenna unit cells suitable for use in antenna arrays are disclosed, as are antenna array and mounting platform such as an aircraft comprising antenna unit cells. In one embodiment, an antenna unit cell comprises a dielectric substrate having a length extending along a first axis and a width extending along a second axis, a first plurality of radiating elements disposed on a first side of the dielectric substrate, and a second plurality of radiating elements disposed on a second side of the dielectric substrate, opposite the first side, wherein the second plurality of radiating elements extend to an edge of the unit cell, and the first plurality of radiating elements overlap portions of the second plurality of radiating elements. Other embodiments may be described.

Abstract: A system for a mobile ad-hoc communications network includes a single antenna aperture and a phased array antenna comprising a plurality of radiators communicating electromagnetically via the single antenna aperture. The system may also include a control circuit communicatively connected to the phased array antenna. The control circuit may include a communications module for transmitting and receiving communication data via the phased array antenna through the single antenna aperture and a radar module for transmitting and receiving radar signals via the phased array antenna through the single antenna aperture.

Abstract: A system for a mobile ad-hoc communications network includes a single antenna aperture and a phased array antenna comprising a plurality of radiators communicating electromagnetically via the single antenna aperture. The system may also include a control circuit communicatively connected to the phased array antenna. The control circuit may include a communications module for transmitting and receiving communication data via the phased array antenna through the single antenna aperture and a radar module for transmitting and receiving radar signals via the phased array antenna through the single antenna aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming and bonding of flexible circuits to metal structures includes a clamping frame having a removable frame portion. At least one flexible roller fixture provides opposed flexible rollers. A clearance aperture in the roller fixture is sized to slidably receive the clamping frame. As the clamping frame is inserted through the clearance aperture of the roller fixture the opposed flexible rollers apply a continuous pressure to deflect the flexible circuit. A curing clamp is then connected to the clamping frame having at least one engagement face defining a flexible circuit finished shape. The flexible circuit is then heat cured to adhesively bond to the metal structure.

Abstract: A phased array antenna system including a mandrel having compliant portions and an internally formed cooling passageway. The compliant portions are formed by removing portions of material along one end of the mandrel to form a plurality of pairs of generally U-shaped, leaf spring-like connecting areas. The connecting areas allow a degree of movement of a lower portion of the mandrel relative to the remainder of the mandrel, when the mandrel is fixedly secured to a printed wiring board (PWB). This enables flexible electrical interconnects, positioned over the compliant portions, to make electrical contact with circuit traces on the PWB, even if the PWB has a curved or undulating surface.

Abstract: An electrical connector apparatus and method for connecting circuit traces on two or more independent circuit board assemblies. A compressible elastomeric member is wrapped with a flexible circuit assembly having a plurality of independent circuit traces, with each circuit trace including a pair of raised electrical contacts. The compressible member with the electrical circuit wrapped over it is supported by a holder assembly. The holder assembly is secured to one of a pair of adjacently positioned independent printed circuit assemblies. The compressible member is held by the holder assembly so that it is compressed against both of the printed circuit board assemblies. The raised electrical contacts electrically contact traces on each of the printed circuit assemblies to complete the electrical connections between the circuit assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming and bonding of flexible circuits to metal structures includes a clamping frame having a removable frame portion. At least one flexible roller fixture provides opposed flexible rollers. A clearance aperture in the roller fixture is sized to slidably receive the clamping frame. As the clamping frame is inserted through the clearance aperture of the roller fixture the opposed flexible rollers apply a continuous pressure to deflect the flexible circuit. A curing clamp is then connected to the clamping frame having at least one engagement face defining a flexible circuit finished shape. The flexible circuit is then heat cured to adhesively bond to the metal structure.

Abstract: An antenna system for communicating electromagnetic and optical signals using a common aperture is provided. The system includes at least one optical phased array terminal integrated with an optically transparent electromagnetic antenna such that the optically transparent electromagnetic antenna and the optical phased array terminal share a common aperture. The optically transparent electromagnetic antenna includes a substrate fabricated of a substantially electrically non-conductive material that is substantially optically transparent to optical signals having a wavelength within a specific portion of the optical spectrum. An antenna element layer, including an array of electromagnetic antenna elements electrically connected by transmission lines and a plurality of phase shifters electrically connected to the electromagnetic antenna elements is disposed onto the substrate.

Abstract: A phased array antenna module for use in the gigahertz bandwidth. The module includes a metallic core with a pair of chip carrier assemblies secured to opposite sides of the core. The core has an internal waveguide with a signal splitter for directing electromagnetic wave energy evenly to the two chip carrier assemblies. A flexible, cylindrical connector assembly electrically couples the chip carrier assemblies to an aperture board. The aperture board includes a plurality of dipole antenna radiating elements. The module core is coupled directly to a cold plate. A direct thermal path is created between the chip carrier assemblies, the module core and the cold plate for highly efficient cooling of the electronic components on the chip carrier assemblies.

Abstract: A microwave phased array antenna module. The antenna module includes a mandrel having an integrally formed waveguide splitter. Separate electromagnetic wave energy distribution panels that each include DC power, data and logic interconnects, as well as electronic modules incorporating ASICs, phase shifters and power amplifiers, are disposed on opposite sides of the mandrel. Waveguide coupling elements are further secured to the mandrel on opposing sides thereof to couple the electromagnetic wave energy received through an input port of the mandrel with each of the distribution panels. Antenna modules are disposed within openings formed in a second end of the mandrel and electrically coupled via electrical interconnects with the distribution panels.

Abstract: A circularly polarized antenna system having improved axial ratio is disclosed. The antenna system comprises a circularly-polarized antenna, and a high-impedance buffer surface, surrounding the circularly polarized antenna, and disposed between the circularly polarized antenna and a ground plane. The width of the high-impedance buffer surface between the circularly-polarized antenna and the ground plane is selected to achieve an H-plane radiation pattern substantially identical to an E-plane radiation pattern over a desired scan angle.

Abstract: A phased array antenna system having a corporate waveguide distribution network stripline printed circuit board. The stripline printed circuit board receives electromagnetic (EM) wave energy from a 1×4 waveguide distribution network input plate and distributes the EM wave energy to 524 radiating elements. The stripline circuit board enables extremely tight spacing of independent antenna radiating elements that would not be possible with a rectangular air filled waveguide. The antenna system enables operation at millimeter wave frequencies, and particularly at 44 GHz, and without requiring the use of a plurality of look-up tables for various phase and amplitude delays, that would otherwise be required with a rectangular, air-filled waveguide distribution structure. The antenna system can be used at millimeter wave frequencies, and in connection with the MILSTAR communications protocol, without the requirement of knowing, in advance, the next beam hopping frequency employed by the MILSTAR protocol.