Abstract: An array antenna includes a modular, multi-layer, multi-balun board structure for use in feeding a dual polarization radiating element. In some embodiments, contacts on a multi-balun board structure may be directly conductively coupled to corresponding feed points of a dual polarization radiating element during antenna assembly. The multi-balun board structure may be inserted into an opening within an aperture board of an array antenna before the contacts are secured to the feed points. Dual balun board structures may be provided for some or all of the radiating elements on the aperture board.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) module having a plurality of channels includes a heat sink having at least one tapered edge; a substrate disposed over a surface of the heat sink such that the tapered edge of the heat sink extends past a boundary of the substrate. RF, logic and power circuitry is disposed on the substrate and one or more RF signal ports are formed on an edge of the substrate to allow the RF module to be used in an array antenna having a brick architecture. The tapered edge heat sink provides both a ground plane for RF signal components and a thermal path for heat generating circuits disposed in the substrate.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) module having a plurality of channels includes a heat sink having at least one tapered edge; a substrate disposed over a surface of the heat sink such that the tapered edge of the heat sink extends past a boundary of the substrate. RF, logic and power circuitry is disposed on the substrate and one or more RF signal ports are formed on an edge of the substrate to allow the RF module to be used in an array antenna having a brick architecture. The tapered edge heat sink provides both a ground plane for RF signal components and a thermal path for heat generating circuits disposed in the substrate.

Abstract: A transition apparatus for connecting first and second circuit boards is provided. The transition apparatus includes a beam having edges and a length defined between the edges, beam circuitry running along the length of the beam and connections disposed at the edges of the beam to connect the beam circuitry with respective circuitry of the first and second circuit boards at respective interior, opposing surfaces thereof.

Abstract: An electronic stripline circuit includes a flexible dielectric film having a three-dimensional coiled shape that defines a spiraled inner core. At least one electrically conductive signal trace is formed on a first surface of the flexible dielectric film. The signal trace extends along a signal path to define a trace length configured to control a time delay of a coiled time delay unit.

Abstract: Wideband balun having good performance characteristics for use in feeding differential antenna elements in array antennas, balanced amplifier circuits and other applications is described. Also described is a common mode isolation circuit suitable for integration with the balun.

Abstract: An array antenna includes a modular, multi-layer, multi-balun board structure for use in feeding a dual polarization radiating element. In some embodiments, contacts on a multi-balun board structure may be directly conductively coupled to corresponding feed points of a dual polarization radiating element during antenna assembly. The multi-balun board structure may be inserted into an opening within an aperture board of an array antenna before the contacts are secured to the feed points. Dual balun board structures may be provided for some or all of the radiating elements on the aperture board.

Abstract: Wideband balun having good performance characteristics for use in feeding differential antenna elements in array antennas, balanced amplifier circuits and other applications is described. Also described is a common mode isolation circuit suitable for integration with the balun.

Abstract: A dual polarization current loop radiator realized with a via, probe, or exposed coaxial feed using part of a vertical metal structure of the radiator to guide current to a feed point of a horizontal metal plate capacitively coupled to the vertical metal structure is described. The vertical metal structure may be either stamped and attached to the ground plane or it can be formed along with metal backplane structure of the radiator. The top of the vertical metal piece is separated from the horizontal metal plate by a predetermined distance dielectric spacing. The spacing may be realized either a thin dielectric core or a non-conductive adhesive material.

Abstract: An antenna system for reducing unwanted coupling and electromagnetic interference, the antenna system including a transmit module configured to send a signal, a receive module configured to receive the signal, a radome, and a resistive frequency selective surface circuit configured to reduce a coupled portion of the signal, the resistive frequency selective surface circuit disposed in a path of the coupled portion of the signal.

Abstract: A differential feed notched radiator. A notched radiator includes a planar dielectric substrate having a first surface and an oppositely facing second surface, and a first conductive layer on the first surface and a second conductive layer on the second surface. The first and second conductive layers are patterned to provide a tapered notch in a first region of the planar dielectric substrate, the tapered notch having a first end and a second end wider than the first end, and the first and second conductive layers patterned to provide a balun in a second region of the planar dielectric substrate, the balun connected with the first end of the tapered notch. A conductive strip for transferring differential signals is embedded in the planar dielectric substrate between the first and second conductive layers, a portion of the conductive strip intersecting a portion of the tapered notch near the first end.

Abstract: An antenna system for reducing unwanted coupling and electromagnetic interference, the antenna system including a transmit module configured to send a signal, a receive module configured to receive the signal, a radome, and a resistive frequency selective surface circuit configured to reduce a coupled portion of the signal, the resistive frequency selective surface circuit disposed in a path of the coupled portion of the signal.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, simulating the mutual performance of an antenna array coupled to an electrical drive circuit includes receiving one or more cross-coupling matrices and a number of electrical circuit parameters. Each cross-coupling matrix comprises matrix elements that each represent a cross-coupling factor of one antenna element to another antenna element of the antenna array. The electrical circuit parameters model one or more characteristics of the electrical drive circuit. Performance of the microwave antenna array and the electrical drive circuit in a far-field environment is modeled according to the electrical circuit parameters and the cross-coupling matrices.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a low profile antenna according to the present invention comprises a balanced transmission line, electronic circuitry, and a parasitic element. The electronic circuitry is coupled to an interconnecting end of the transmission line and operable to direct electromagnetic energy through the transmission line to a terminating end. The parasitic element has a surface that is disposed at a predetermined distance from the terminating end and normal to the central axis such that the surface of the parasitic element covers an opening formed by the terminating end.

Abstract: A differential feed notched radiator. A notched radiator includes a planar dielectric substrate having a first surface and an oppositely facing second surface, and a first conductive layer on the first surface and a second conductive layer on the second surface. The first and second conductive layers are patterned to provide a tapered notch in a first region of the planar dielectric substrate, the tapered notch having a first end and a second end wider than the first end, and the first and second conductive layers patterned to provide a balun in a second region of the planar dielectric substrate, the balun connected with the first end of the tapered notch. A conductive strip for transferring differential signals is embedded in the planar dielectric substrate between the first and second conductive layers, a portion of the conductive strip intersecting a portion of the tapered notch near the first end.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the disclosure, a dual polarized antenna includes first and second active elements and at least one parasitic element disposed a predetermined distance from the first and second active elements. Circuitry is coupled to the first and second active elements and operable to generate electro-magnetic energy from the first and second active elements along a direction of propagation. The first active element having a direction of polarization that is different than a direction of polarization of the second active element.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the disclosure, a dual polarized antenna includes first and second active elements and at least one parasitic element disposed a predetermined distance from the first and second active elements. Circuitry is coupled to the first and second active elements and operable to generate electro-magnetic energy from the first and second active elements along a direction of propagation. The first active element having a direction of polarization that is different than a direction of polarization of the second active element.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a low profile antenna according to the present invention comprises a balanced transmission line, electronic circuitry, and a parasitic element. The electronic circuitry is coupled to an interconnecting end of the transmission line and operable to direct electromagnetic energy through the transmission line to a terminating end. The parasitic element has a surface that is disposed at a predetermined distance from the terminating end and normal to the central axis such that the surface of the parasitic element covers an opening formed by the terminating end.