Abstract: A moisture resistant conformal coating (14) effectively protects high frequency circuits such as gallium arsenide MMICs from humidity and environmental contamination without the performance degradation inherent in conventionally applied conformal coatings. The conformal coating preferably comprises an organic polymer, such as silicone, applied to the MMIC die in a substantially uniform thickness of less than 0.002 inches, preferably of less than 0.0015 inches. This is accomplished by applying the organic polymer directly to the surface of the die (10) in a mixture containing the solid organic polymer diluted with a low surface tension solvent, such as a volatile methyl siloxane.

Abstract: An RF assembly (20) operating at a predetermined wavelength of &lgr; and having a ground-plane interface (26) between first and second components (22, 24) is presented. A bond wire (48) couples the components (22, 24) along a bond-wire directrix (54). The components (22, 24) have grounding members (30, 32) establishing substantially coplanar ground planes (42, 44). The grounding members (30, 32) are coupled together so as to create a semi-cylindrical slot (28) having an opening (60) substantially coincident with the ground planes (42, 32). The slot 28 has an axis (66) proximate the bond-wire directrix (54), and a radius (68) substantially equal to &lgr;/2. The slot axis (66) and the bond-wire directrix (54) are located within a plane (56) substantially perpendicular to the ground planes (42, 32).

Abstract: An antenna system (10) capable of transmitting electromagnetic radiation using the technique of combining two quadrature signals for either right hand circular polarization or left hand circular polarization using a circularly polarized antenna (30), or alternately, either horizontal or vertical polarization using a linearly polarized antenna (36) while incorporating feedback for automatically correcting for amplitude and phase variations in the quadrature paths using a switch (12) which selects the sense of the polarization and electronic optimization of the transmit antenna (30, 36). The antenna system includes a control circuit having a polarization switch (12) for receiving a transmission signal. The switch (12) generates first and second output signals which are substantially similar to the transmission signal, and determines whether to apply the transmission signal to one of a first or a second switch output.

Abstract: A method (60) for molding (67) a component (73) including a free floating insert (11). The method includes steps of providing an insert (11) including one or more weakened regions (23) coupled to a removable leader (20) and molding (67) a moldable compound (25) about the insert (11) and a portion of the removable leader (20). The method (60) further includes a step of pulling (69) on the removable leader (20) to fracture the weakened regions (23) and thereby detach the removable leader (20) from a molded component (73) including the insert (11) therein. The molding step (67) desirably includes a step of injection molding (67) a thermoplastic material (25) about the insert (11) and the portion of the removable leader (20).

Abstract: A waveguide feed is fabricated by first creating a lead frame (10) from a piece of conductive material. The lead frame (10) is shaped by bending arms (22) and probe portions (18) on the lead frame (10) into a desired shape. The lead frame (10) is then placed in a mold and dielectric molding material is added around relevant portions of the lead frame (10). After the dielectric molding material has solidified, excess molding material and extraneous portions of the lead frame (10) are removed from the molded feed assembly. The assembly can then be connectorized and inserted into a waveguide.