Abstract: An integrated microstrip (14) to suspended stripline (24) transition structure and method for fabricating the same provide a transition from microstrip (14) to suspended stripline (24) transmission line with minimal electrical discontinuity and insensitivity due to misalignment. A conductor (10) has a constant width, while gradually tapering voids (44,42) in ground planes (36, 38) provide a suspended stripline (24) transmission medium. The gradually tapering voids (44, 42) provide impedance transformation and minimize discontinuities during transition due to fabrication tolerances.

Abstract: A microwave transition consisting of a stripline member coupled to a pair of slot lines deposited on the outer surfaces of a pair of contiguous dielectric rib members. The stripline and one slot line on one of the rib members cross each other at right angles on parallel planes forming an energy coupling junction. One end of both slot lines comprise slot line regions which are either smooth tapered or stepped out to the full width of the dielectric ribs so as to couple RF energy to the normal fields in a twin toroid phase shifter which in one embodiment the toroids extend past the cross-over junction while in the second embodiment two additional dielectric layers are contiguously applied to the outside surfaces of the dielectric rib members containing the slot lines for matching the electric fields in the slots to the toroids. The outer surfaces of the transition including the twin toroids are metallized and fitted into a metal sleeve which provides support for the composite structure.

Abstract: A microwave window includes a transparent disk made of glass or ceramic that lets microwaves through and an attachment device made of metal that is used to attach the transparent disk. This microwave window is characterized by the fact that the transparent disk of glass is sealed into the attachment device or the transparent disk of ceramic is sintered into the attachment device.

Abstract: A multi-layer circuit structure including a plurality of substrate layers. At least one planar transmission line, including microstrip, stripline, or coplanar line, disposed on the plurality of substrate layers. A via transmission line connected to that at least one planar transmission line and extending through the plurality of substrate layers. The via transmission lines having the same topology as the at least one planar transmission line for providing wide frequency band transition between the via transmission lines and the at least one planar transmission line.

Abstract: A quasi-optical power combining array provides broadband, well heat sinked performance by means of coupling an array of parallel slotline transition modules between a input waveguide and an output waveguide. Each slotline transition module is comprised of a heat sinked ceramic substrate upon which a pair of tapered slot transitions is defined, each of which lead to a quasi-optical element such as an amplifier, which in turn is coupled to a corresponding pair of tapered slot transitions leading to the output waveguide. Each slotline module is symmetrically formed to maximize input and output tuning and selectively balanced operation.

Abstract: A phase shifter employing a voltage variable dielectric material to add controlled phase delay in a ridged-waveguide section. The dielectric material has the property that its dielectric constant varies with changing electric field applied to the material. The dielectric material fills the ridge gap between the two waveguide ridges. An electrode is disposed within the dielectric material, and is connected to a variable voltage source to establish a transverse electrical field within the dielectric material. By varying the voltage, the magnitude of the field is varied, thereby allowing the phase delay of electromagnetic signals propagating through the waveguide section to be changed.

Abstract: A flexible feed line is provided for use with a selectively deployable antenna system. The feed line is resilient and expandable so that it can maintain connections within antenna feed circuits while the antenna is being deformed or moved for stowage. An antenna system for use with the feed lines of the present invention may consist of a deployable quadrifilar helical antenna elements having four resilient conductive strips bonded thereto. Flexible feed lines are attached to each of the conductive helical strips. The feed lines expand to accommodate the shape of the antenna elements when compressed for stowing and return to their operating shape when deployed, thus providing identical feed paths to each of the antenna conductors when the antenna system is deployed.

Abstract: A device for charging PFLs (Pulse Forming Lines) on a time scale of a few nanoseconds. The device includes a source transmission line (STL) connected through a switch to a pulse forming transmission line. The source line is initially charged while the PFL is uncharged, and the switch is open. The impedance of the STL is larger than the impedance of the PFL. The impedance of the STL is also tapered in order to effect an energy transfer efficiency approaching 100% from the STL to the PFL. In operation when the switch is closed, energy flows from the source line to the PFL. As the energy and voltage build on the PFL, an output switch closes and delivers the energy of the PFL to the output transmission line section. The impedance of the output transmission line section is matched to the PFL impedance so that all of the energy in the PFL flows into the output section in the form of a pulse.

Abstract: A high-frequency signal transmission system for use as a microwave antenna or filter has a plurality of cascaded conical or planar inner conductors each having a unitary exponential gradient, a pair of circular lines or impedance-matching lines having identical dimensions and connected respectively to opposite ends of the conical or planar inner conductor for providing a predetermined characteristic impedance, and a cylindrical or rectangular tubular outer conductor covering the conical or planar inner conductor and the circular or impedance-matching lines with a cavity defined between the conical or planar inner conductor and the cylindrical or rectangular tubular outer conductor.

Abstract: Interconnection apparatus providing a right angle H-plane bend in grounded coplanar waveguide (GCPW) transmission line media. Respective first and second GCPW lines include a dielectric substrate, on which is formed on a bottom surface a bottom conductive ground plane, and on a top surface is formed a center conductor strip sandwiched between first and second top ground plane strips. The two GCPW lines are disposed orthogonally, forming a corner junction at which corresponding bottom and top ground planes, and the center conductor strips, of the lines are electrically connected. The gaps between corresponding top ground plane strips and the center conductor strips have regions of increased gap width at the corner junction to compensate for the capacitance resulting from the junction.

Abstract: A coaxial-to-microstrip transition compensated to reduce the impedance discontinuity and parasitic inductance of the transition. The impedance discontinuity is reduced by decreasing the inductance due to the center conductor pin of the coaxial line and the inductance due to the bond wire connecting the center conductor pin to the microstrip line. The impedance discontinuity is also reduced by increasing the capacitance from the microstrip line to ground and from the microstrip line to the center conductor pin of the coaxial line. To reduce the inductance in the signal conduction path, a small diameter center conductor pin is used. A short length of bond wire, doubled around the center conductor is used to connect the center conductor pin to the microstrip line. Also, a thin dielectric substrate is used to minimize the length of the center conductor pin that extends beyond the base of the coaxial housing.

Abstract: An input transformer for a coaxial transmission line is provided which allows continuously variable amplitude and phase of an RF signal conducted on the transmission line. The transformer comprises a housing having a longitudinal axis. A center conductor of the coaxial line extends along the axis through the housing. A first sleeve is axially movable within the housing, and has contact points on an outer surface thereof to provide electrical conductivity between the first sleeve and the housing. The ability of the first sleeve to move axially enables variability in the location of the transformer along the transmission line. The first sleeve has an inner wall that is eccentric relative to the longitudinal axis of the center conductor. A second sleeve having a cylindrical outer wall is disposed within the first sleeve. The second sleeve is rotationally movable within the first sleeve, and has contact points on the outer wall to provide electrical conductivity between the first sleeve and second sleeve.

Abstract: An enclosure assembly for a high frequency integrated circuit. The enclosure assembly includes a plurality of lead terminals that are part of a lead frame. The lead terminals are connected to electrical ports of the circuit within the enclosure to connect the circuit to other integrated circuits and/or to a printed circuit board. A portion of the lead terminals outside of the enclosure has a specially shaped flared region that establishes the characteristic impedance of the circuit on the lead lines outside of the enclosure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transiting from one form of electromagnetic wave guidance to another by increasingly or reducingly guiding an electromagnetic wave to or from a conductor serving as a ground plane and coupled to the other form of wave guidance at the ground plane through an aperture, where wave guidance can be by a waveguide, planar line or coaxial cable and to or from a planar line that is transversely disposed in relation to wave guidance thereto or therefrom.

Abstract: A high-frequency signal transmission system for use as a microwave antenna or filter has a plurality of cascaded conical or planar inner conductors each having a unitary exponential gradient, a pair of circular lines or impedance-matching lines having identical dimensions and connected respectively to opposite ends of the conical or planar inner conductor for providing a predetermined characteristic impedance, and a cylindrical or rectangular tubular outer conductor covering the conical or planar inner conductor and the circular or impedance-matching lines with a cavity defined between the conical or planar inner conductor and the cylindrical or rectangular tubular outer conductor.

Abstract: A broad passband pressure barrier arrangement is provided for insertion in circular waveguide between a source and a receiver of radio frequency (RF) energy with a spatially circumferential electric field characteristic of the TE.sub.01 mode. At least three abutting cylindrical barrier regions are coaxially aligned a arranged symmetrically in mirror image fashion about a radial plane of the circular waveguide. The cylindrical barrier regions include: at least one solid cylindrical plug region sealed in a cross-section of the circular waveguide and having a longitudinal thickness sufficient to withstand a predetermined pressure load, and at least one solid cylindrical tuning region having a radius less than that of the circular waveguide and further having a longitudinal thickness. Each of the cylindrical barrier regions are defined by a characteristic impedance at opposing end faces thereof and a by characteristic impedance between the opposing end faces.

Abstract: A TEM mode cell having an internal TEM element and at least one port on the cell, the cell comprising a stepped transmission line transformer coupling the internal TEM element to the port. The stepped transmission line transformer of the TEM mode cell has transfer characteristics selected to give maximum cancellation of VSWR in the cell and thereby enable optimum cell bandwidth. The TEM mode test cell comprises a hollow metallic housing having an enlarged center section with opposite open ends, and a pair of end sections, each end section closing off a respective one of the center section open ends and tapering to a distal end of reduced cross sectional area. A connector is provided at the distal end of each end section, and a stepped septum is mounted within the housing and insulated therefrom, the septum coupled to and extending between the connectors.

Abstract: A coaxial-to-microstrip transition compensated to reduce the impedance discontinuity and parasitic inductance of the transition. The impedance discontinuity is reduced by decreasing the inductance due to the center conductor pin of the coaxial line and the inductance due to the bond wire connecting the center conductor pin to the microstrip line. The impedance discontinuity is also reduced by increasing the capacitance from the microstrip line to ground and from the microstrip line to the center conductor pin of the coaxial line. To reduce the inductance in the signal conduction path, a small diameter center conductor pin is used. A short length of bond wire, doubled around the center conductor is used to connect the center conductor pin to the microstrip line. Also, a thin dielectric substrate is used to minimize the length of the center conductor pin that extends beyond the base of the coaxial housing.

Abstract: Microwave frequency device comprising at least a transition between a transmission line (24) integrated on a substrate (23) of a hard material, disposed in a first microwave frequency cavity (31), and waveguides (100) having a second microwave frequency cavity (102a, 102b). This transition comprises an open end (25a, 25b) of the integrated line which end forms a probe inserted over a length l into the cavity of the waveguide, at a distance D from a short-circuit (42a, 42b) which closes off the end of the waveguide.

Abstract: An electronic connector for connecting a coaxial cable to a microstrip transmission line or to a coplanar transmission line. The connector has a transition length which is long enough to be treated as a transmission line rather than as a lumped element. In one embodiment, the transition is linear. In a optimal embodiment for minimal distortion, the transition follows a cosine shape.

Abstract: A wideband convertor for mode conversion between a TEM coaxial mode in coaxial line and the TM.sub.01 circular waveguide mode in circular waveguide. The convertor takes advantage of the somewhat similar electric field configurations of the two modes. To physically match the coaxial line to the waveguide, a tapered section is employed to provide a gradual diameter transition.

Abstract: A metallic housing encloses a suspended substrate circuit and is arranged so that the waveguide input/output port within the housing has double-ridge transitions to the suspended substrate circuit.

Abstract: A waveguide adaptor or transition for interfacing a microwave waveguide to a coplanar transmission line or electronic device is disclosed. The adaptor includes a waveguide section having an integral coplanar transmission line formed in a longitudinal slot in a top wall thereof. A metallic fin is disposed in the waveguide which extends into the slot. The transmission line is coplanar because the edges of the slot on either side of the fin both act as ground planes. A tapered portion of the fin gradually rises from the bottom surface of the waveguide into the slot which acts as an impedance matching structure between the waveguide and the transmission line. Numerous circuit elements can be connected to the transmission line so that the adaptor can be used to fabricate oscillators, amplifiers, filters and other devices. In particular, a Gunn oscillator formed with the adaptor is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coplanar waveguide (CPW) which is connected directly into a balanced SAW transducer" via a tapered coplanar transmission line. Preferably, the CPW transition feeds directly into the "balanced transducer" such that the ground planes of the CPW taper directly into the outer (grounded) bus bars of the SAW transducer and the center conductor of the CPW feeds directly into the "hot" center electrode structure of the SAW transducer. This preferred structure is shown in FIG. 1. This balanced SAW transducer configuration provides better electrical shielding for lower electromagnetic feedthrough suppression and lower spurious signal levels. Moreover, the acoustic wave generated by this "balanced transducer" configuration provides a more uniform acoustic power distribution because the center conductor of the SAW transducer provides a waveguide effect wherein the acoustic energy tends to follow the slow velocity metal structure, thus forming an acoustic waveguide.

Abstract: A transition element for electromagnetic waveguides of the type designed to provide for the transition between a circular waveguide and a coaxial waveguide, constituted by a circular external guide cooperating with an internal conductor forming an end portion of the central conductor of the coaxial waveguide, the internal conductor having at least one intermediate transition step with a substantially constant section throughout its length. The device can be applied notably to the making of two-band duplexers.

Abstract: A mode suppressor structure designed to maintain TE.sub.01 mode matching in an overmoded waveguide, while at the same time allowing efficient coupling of unwanted modes for dissipation in the mode filtering structure of the overmoded waveguide, and in a manner which is non-intrusive on the TE.sub.01 mode and thus promotes high power operation.

Abstract: A coupling device has a dielectric substrate with at least two joined transmission lines formed thereon. The two transmission lines have a common signal carrying conductor and separate ground plane conducting means. The conductor cross-section and the conductor spacing cross-section are varied along the length of the transmission lines to provide a large change of the characteristic impedance of the coupling device along the line length.

Abstract: A microstrip-to-inverted-microstrip transition for providing a low-loss cection of a microstrip to an inverted microstrip in planar microwave devices. One embodiment includes tapered dielectric and conductor sections that provide a gradual or tapered change in the effective dielectric constant and a substantially constant characteristic impedance across the transition. A second embodiment employs a series of microstrip transformers that are one-quarter wavelength long. The transformers have dielectric members that have successively decreasing dielectric constants to provide a gradual dielectric match. The geometries of the microstrip transformers are chosen so that there will be an impedance match across the transition. A third embodiment employs the microwave interaction that takes place with the supporting dielectrics of the inverted microstrip to produce a dielectric match.

Abstract: A composite microstrip circuit with a plurality of discrete microstrip conents made from materials having different dielectric constants mounted thereon. A transitional taper is formed on each discrete microstrip component at the point where a connection is made between other components or devices. The base on which the discrete microstrip components are positioned has a dielectric constant lower than any of the dielectric constants of the discrete components. The transitional taper results in a low cost, low loss interconnection between discrete microstrip components.

Abstract: An impedance matching transformer includes a dielectric having a varying thickness between opposing surfaces. A transmission conductor and a return conductor are formed on the opposing surfaces. The impedance transformation between a first terminal and a second terminal is proportional to the thickness variation of the dielectric.

Abstract: A network (10) for matching impedance from a first transmission line (14) to a second transmission line (16) includes a dielectric material (12, 20), a conductor (24, 26, 28), and metalization (18, 30) located on at least some portions of at least one outer surface of the dielectric material. The area covered by the metalization gradually diminishes from the first transmission line to the second transmission line. The conductor provides an electrical connection between the first transmission line and the second transmission line. The conductor provides an electrical connection between the first transmission line and the second transmission line, and is located at least partially within the dielectric material.

Abstract: Mode converting signal launchers for efficient coupling signals between dielectric insular and image waveguides and TEM mode transmission lines. The launcher includes a conductive ground plane and an elongated high permittivity dielectric waveguide adjacent to the ground plane. A TEM mode transmission line provides an elongated conductive strip fixed adjacent to the dielectric waveguide such that a coupling region is formed having a length of at least two times the wavelength in the dielectric waveguide.

Abstract: A tunable bandpass filter comprises a flat ferrite body having first and ond spaced, coextensive microstrip conductive lines on its upper surface. A winding encircles the ferrite and conductive lines so that a variable d-c current in the winding varies the magnetic permeability of the ferrite and thus the center frequency of the filter.

Abstract: A field-twisting waveguide junction (20) for electromagnetic microwaves (S1) has a rectangle-like cross-section at one end (21) thereof. This cross-section deviates from a true rectangular shape, by virtue of an inwardly projecting ridge (22). The other end (23) of the junction (20) has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the cross-section of a central section (F-F) of the junction has an L-shape. The junction (20) comprises sections, in the illustrated embodiment six sections, the cross-sectional shapes of which are changed step-wise between the sections. The width direction (B2) of the rectangular cross-section (23) has the same directional sense as the height direction (h1) of the inwardly projecting ridge (22). The junction (20) is intended for connecting a rectangular waveguide to a ridge waveguide and transfer the microwaves (S1). The microwave has an electrical field vector (E) whose direction is rotated through one-quarter of a revolution during transfer of the microwave.

Abstract: In a matching circuit for a high-frequency transistor, using a microstrip line for the main line and having a high-frequency transistor side main line shaped in a taper form, a thin-film capacitor and a grounding circuit are disposed between the taper part and the ground. The length of the parts of the thin-film capacitor is different in the signal traveling directions or the shape of the grounding circuit is different so that the impedance is matched at the output position of the thin-film capacitor part, while the spatial phase difference of high-frequency signals can be compensated at the same time.

Abstract: A waveguide adaptor or transition for interfacing a microwave waveguide to a coplanar transmission line or electronic device is disclosed. The adaptor includes a waveguide section having an integral coplanar transmission line formed in a longitudinal slot in a top wall thereof. A metallic fin is disposed in the waveguide which extends into the slot. The transmission line is coplanar because the edges of the slot on either side of the fin both act as ground planes. A tapered portion of the fin gradually rises from the bottom surface of the waveguide into the slot which acts as an impedance matching structure between the waveguide and the transmission line. Numerous circuit elements can be connected to the transmission line so that the adaptor can be used to fabricate oscillators, amplifiers, filters and other devices. In particular, a Gunn oscillator formed with the adaptor is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a double-ridge wavguide to a microstrip circuit. A lower ridge of a coupling section of waveguide is expanded by gradually increasing its width such that at the beginning of the coupling the lower ridge is equal to the width of the lower ridge of the double-ridge waveguide to be coupled and at the end of the coupling the width of the lower ridge is equal to the full width of the coupling. This flaring of the lower ridge creates an electrically conductive surface for receiving a ground plane for the microstrip circuit. Additionally, the upper ridge is altered gradually such that at the beginning of the coupling the ridge gap is equal to the gap in the double-ridge waveguide and at the end of the coupling the ridge gap is equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the dielectric substrate, the microstrip line, and the ground plane of the microstrip circuit.

Abstract: A planar power combiner/divider device comprises a metallic layer on an insulating substrate. The metallic layer is configured to have an output (input) neck portion (12) which extends into a purely tapered portion (16) which in turn splits into n tapering conductors (1 to 5), the terminal portions of which constitute input (output) ports. The overall length (L) of the metallic layer between a junction (14) of the neck and purely tapering portions to each input (output) port being substantially constant and equal to substantially half the wavelength of the lowest design frequency and the distance x from the junction (14) to the (first) split into tapering conductors is selected so as to avoid transverse resonance at the desired frequencies.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic control system includes an actuator having a cylinder and a piston variably positionable therewithin. An electrohydraulic valve is responsive to valve control signals for coupling the actuator to a source of hydraulic fluid. A coaxial transmission line extends through the actuator, and includes an outer conductor formed by the actuator cylinder and a center conductor operatively coupled to the piston such that length of the coaxial transmission line is effectively directly determined by position of the piston within the cylinder. An rf generator is coupled by an antenna to the coaxial transmission line for launching rf energy therewithin, and valve control electronics is responsive to rf energy reflected by the coaxial transmission line for indicating position of the piston within the cylinder and generating electronic control signals to the valve.

Abstract: A technique for modifying the end portion of a wave guide, whether hollow or solid, carrying electromagnetic, acoustic or optical energy, to produce a gradual impedance change over the length of the end portion, comprising the cutting of longitudinal, V-shaped grooves that increase in width and depth from beginning of the end portion of the wave guide to the end of the guide so that, at the end of the guide, no guide material remains and no surfaces of the guide as modified are perpendicular to the direction of energy flow. For hollow guides, the grooves are cut beginning on the interior surface; for solid guides, the grooves are cut beginning on the exterior surface. One or more resistive, partially conductive or nonconductive sleeves can be placed over the exterior of the guide and through which the grooves are cut to smooth the transition to free space.

Abstract: The invention relates to matching asymmetrical discontinuites in transmission lines to give low reflection coefficients (less than five percent) over a wide frequency band (corresponding to at least an octave in wavelength). A group of asymmetrical discontinuites, such as impedance steps in a waveguide, are matched by considering a reference plane whose position varies with frequency at which the reflection coefficient for waves transmitted in one direction is equal to that for waves transmitted in the opposite direction. Matching elements are then provided which have a reflection coefficient at the reference plane which is equal and opposite to the reflection coefficient of the discontinuities. Matching is less difficult if the distance between the steps is less than a quarter of a guide wavelength at all frequencies in the wide band mentioned above and such an arrangement is a "reduced quarterwave transformer".

Abstract: An interface structure, for connecting a pair of coplanar transmission lines in end-to-end overlapping relation to each other, employs dissimilarly-shaped overlapping end portions of the respective signal and/or ground lines of the transmission lines. The dissimilarly-shaped end portions are effective to minimize variations in the impedance of the interface structure due to variations in transverse and/or longitudinal alignment of the overlapping end portions of the respective transmission lines, thereby making the interface tolerant to misalignments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transition between a "stripline" and a "microstrip" transmission line which uses printed circuit board materials and processes. The transition, which includes a stripline region and a microstrip region, also includes a transitional region in which a quasi coaxial line section is provided in the stripline region near the termination of the upper ground plane. A double tapered double slot line is used to avoid discontinuity. The two slots taper to minimum width at the termination of the upper ground plane, and widen in the transition to the microstrip region. The transition is of wideband operation (e.g. from near DC to 20 gHz) and of high performance.

Abstract: A device is provided for connecting together two coaxial ultra-high frequency structures of different diameters. This device is remarkable in that it has itself a rigid coaxial structure comprising a central core in the form of a truncated cone, as well as a peripheral sheath whose internal wall is a truncated cone shaped surface, the small bases of the truncated cones of said central core and of said peripheral sheath of said connection are two parallels of the same sphere centered on the apex of the truncated cone shaped surface of said internal wall and the large bases of the truncated cones of said central core and said peripheral sheath of said connection are two parallels of a second sphere concentric to the first one.

Abstract: A transmission line comprising a multi-layer dielectric slab structure including: a dielectric substrate layer (30) having a thickness d.sub.s and permittivity .epsilon..sub.s ; a conductive ground plane (31) on the bottom surface of the dielectric substrate layer (30); a dielectric guiding layer (32) having a thickness h and permittivity .epsilon..sub.g, where .epsilon..sub.g >.epsilon..sub.s, attached to the top surface of dielectric substrate layer (30); at least one elongated and relatively narrow dielectric loading strip layer (33) having a width W, thickness d.sub.1, and permittivity .epsilon..sub.1, where .epsilon..sub.g >.epsilon..sub.1, attached to the top surface of the dielectric guiding layer (32); and a conductive coating (34) on the top surface of the dielectric loading strip layer (32). Such a structure permits single mode propagation over a relatively wide frequency band.

Abstract: A waveguide R-switch has transformers in one or more of its three waveguide paths. The presence of the transformers allows the R-switch to be constructed of a smaller size than previous R-switch with curved outer paths. This results in important weight and volume savings.

Abstract: A transformation device for connecting waveguides of different cross section includes a waveguide element which is provided with at least two successive transforming sections and has a rotationally symmetrical recess extending in axial direction over all transforming sections. Inserted in the recess along a respective portion thereof are a plurality of insulating rigs so that one of said transforming sections adjoining the connection plane with one of the waveguides is defined by said recess while subsequent transforming sections are defined by the insulating rings of corresponding varying inner diameter.

Abstract: A microwave polarizer is provided in the form of a wedge at the termination of a rod of dielectric material. Preferably the wedge tapers exponentially in order to provide a good impedance match. Circularly polarized radiation propagating along the rod experiences a differential phase shift at the wedge. This phase shift may be arranged to be 90.degree., so that linearly polarized radiation exits from the wedge. A continuous circular or square guide is used to contain the dielectric rod so that simultaneous orthogonal signals can be converted to or from circular polarizations. Such a wedge termination may be provided at the end of a splashplate or polyrod antenna feed, for a satellite communication system, where right-handed circular polarization is used on the up-link and left-handed circular polarization is used on the down link.

Abstract: The middle stage of a Marie-type mode launcher is configured by sliding together a pair of reusable multi-wedge shaped mandrels which, when placed together in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the launcher, form a compound mandrel from which a TE.sub.20 rectangular to crossed TE.sub.20 rectangular stage may be electroformed. One mandrel has a first double wedge-shaped section that tapers from a rectangular open end (that joins with the rectangular output end of the first stage) to an edge that is effectively diagonally located between opposing vertices of intersecting surfaces of adjacent pairs of four tapered sections that form the `X`-shaped open output end of the middle stage. The taper of the first section is a dual taper, in directions parallel with the sides of the rectangular input end of the middle stage.

Abstract: The transition between a rectangular waveguide and a stripline is accomplished with an assembly which contains: a waveguide flange, a waveguide section, and a tapered wedge. The waveguide flange physically connects with the rectangular waveguide and the waveguide section. The waveguide section has the tapered wedge housed within it along its top, and is electrically connected to the ground planes of the stripline. The tapered wedge is electrically connected with the center conductor of the stripline, to provide a transition between the rectangular waveguide and the stripline. Optimum impedance matching and voltage standing wave ratio can be empirically determined in the assembly by inputting signals into the stripline or waveguide, and taking impedance measurements while moving a reflecting panel which rests behind the tapered wedge to different positions in the slotted waveguide section.