Abstract: A phased array antenna including a plurality of antenna element units mounted to a panel having a first side and a second side. Each antenna unit includes a step aperture integrated radiating (STAIR) antenna element mounted to the first side of the panel and having an outer cylindrical waveguide, a septum polarizer including a plurality of steps and a septum feed structure, and a right hand circularly polarized (RHCP) feed structure electrically coupled to the septum feed structure. Each antenna unit further includes a triplexer module mounted to the second side of the panel and being responsive to a plurality of linearly polarized signals to be transmitted by the STAIR element, where the triplexer module operates to combine the plurality of linearly polarized signals and provide the combined signal to the RHCP feed structure to be converted by the septum polarizer to a circularly polarized signal for transmission.

Abstract: A multiple beam antenna structure. Network components (7, 8) may be integrated into panels (4, 5). Panels (4, 5) may be joined to form a panel architecture (6). Network paths (9) may be formed through the panel architecture (6) at joinder locations (9) of network components (7, 8) integrated into the panels (4, 5). The panel architecture (6) may have a reduced mass and permit increased network density.