Abstract: Provided is an antenna apparatus including an antenna for receiving electromagnetic radiation from an object to be measured; and a condensing element, which is constructed to surround the antenna, which is located at a center of the condensing element, wherein the condensing element reflects and condenses the electromagnetic radiation toward the antenna. The antenna apparatus according to the present invention improves the gain and electromagnetic reception efficiency of the antenna and effectively reduces interference by external unwanted noise.

Abstract: A multi-beam-reflector dish antenna system. Signals from different satellites are simultaneously received using a single compound LNBF module. The antenna dish includes a reflector with N-th order projected aperture and a single compound LNBF module constituting multiple LNBF units. The reflector is formed by projected aperture cutting and surface distortion of the aperture in accordance with the method of analysis and synthesis. In addition to reflecting signals from satellites, it also generates focused waves sharing similar radiation patterns and horizontal gain with incoming waves on the focal plane to be received by the compound LNBF modules.

Abstract: A collapsible antenna assembly for portable, outdoor satellite communication systems is provided. When connected to complementary electronics, the apparatus enables the transmission and reception of communications signals from any selected terrestrial location by means of a satellite link. The apparatus is implemented in a physical form that minimizes the overall physical dimensions such that portability is improved. The apparatus consists of an antenna reflector, transmit assembly, feed horn assembly, a boom, a tripod, and a mounting platform, which permits the antenna reflector to be oriented to operate with any selected satellite. The entire apparatus can be folded and disassembled to fit inside of a suitcase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for receiving signals transmitted by N satellites, the said device comprising means for focusing the beams corresponding to the said signals. The device comprises several source antennas, the said source antennas being printed antennas made on a single substrate.

Abstract: A reflector antenna (100) includes a reflector unit (191) having at least one cavity (192) disposed in the reflector unit, at least one fluidic dielectric (180) having a permittivity and a permeability, and at least one composition processor (101) adapted for dynamically changing a composition of the fluidic dielectric to vary at least the permittivity or permeability in at least one cavity for the purpose of dynamically altering the illumination taper of the reflector antenna. The antenna further comprises a controller (136) for controlling the composition processor in response to a control signal (137).

Abstract: Paraboloidal antennas are common for very high frequencies (VHF) and into the cellular telephone systems and personal communication systems (PCS). Paraboloidal antennas are often used at the base station of either cellular telephone antennas, PCS antennas or both. To avoid possible channel drop out because a sharp focal point of the antenna is misaligned by improper installation or harsh weather conditions. For base stations for cellular telephone systems and/or systems, PCS, a generally paraboloidal antenna that has a less sharp focal point so there is a antenna lower gain, but less relative signal degradation because of weather or other misalignment of the antenna. In such cases, the lower gain, but higher immunity to drop-out more than justifies such arrangements.

Abstract: A multi-polarized forward feed and dish configuration for transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency (RF) signals is disclosed. The configuration comprises a conductive reflector dish, having a focal point and a vertex point, and a multi-polarized forward feed element positioned substantially at the focal point. The forward feed element comprises at least two radiative members each having a first end and a second end. The second ends of the radiative members are electrically connected at an apex point and are each disposed outwardly away from the apex point toward the vertex point at an acute angle relative to an imaginary plane intersecting the apex point.

Abstract: A bilayer micros trip reflector antenna is disclosed to include a first dielectric layer, the first dielectric layer having antenna units and phase-delay circuit units overlapped on antenna units, and a second dielectric layer abutting against the first dielectric layer. A better gain-bandwidth is obtained by adjusting the overlapping distance of the antenna units and phase-delay circuit units, side length of antenna units and the dielectric constant and thickness of the two dielectric layers. Surface wave phenomenon is reduced by means of selecting a relatively lower dielectric constant. A satisfactory grounding effect is obtained to reduce radiation from phase-delay circuit units by lowering the second dielectric layer toward the ground.

Abstract: A microwave antenna for use in a sectorized cellular communication system comprises a wide-flare pyramidal horn having two pairs of opposed flared side walls. At least one of the two pairs of opposed walls has corrugated interior surfaces. The length of the horn and the flare angle of the walls having the corrugated interior surfaces are selected to produce a ratio &Dgr;e/&lgr; greater than 1.5, where &Dgr;e/&lgr;=[a/(2/&lgr;)] tan (&agr;e/2) is the spherical-wave error of said horn, &lgr; is the free space wavelength of the microwave signals to be transmitted by said antenna, &agr; is the horn's aperture width, and &agr;e the half-angle of the horn in the horizontal plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reflective antennas. With previous antennas, the beamwidth of a reflected signal decreases linearly as the frequency of a transmitted signal increases. This is because the beamwidth for a normal antenna is a function of several parameters, including the frequency of the signal and the diameter of the reflective antenna. A beamwidth that decreases with frequency is undesirable because a decreased beamwidth results in a smaller user area on the ground. The present invention provides an antenna that maintains a constant beamwidth by using a mesh whose spacing increases with the distance from a central point.

Abstract: Paraboloidal antennas are common for very high frequencies (VHF) and into the cellular telephone systems and personal communication systems (PCS). Paraboloidal antennas are often used at the base station of either cellular telephone antennas, PCS antennas or both. To avoid possible channel drop out because a sharp focal point of the antenna is misaligned by improper installation or harsh weather conditions. For base stations for cellular telephone systems and/or systems, PCS, a generally paraboloidal antenna that has a less sharp focal point so there is a antenna lower gain, but less relative signal degradation because of weather or other misalignment of the antenna. In such cases, the lower gain, but higher immunity to drop-out more than justifies such arrangements.

Abstract: A multi-beam antenna system including a parabolic reflector with a parallelogram perimeter, which is illuminated by a plurality of feed elements. The parabolic reflector reflects a first beam corresponding to one frequency that illuminates a first parallelogram spot, and a second beam corresponding to the same frequency illuminates a second parallelogram spot. The first and second spots are parallelepiped and are arranged such that spots of the same frequency are generally not adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A multi-beam-reflector dish antenna system. Signals from different satellites are simultaneously received using a single compound LNBF module. The antenna dish includes a reflector with N-th order projected aperture and a single compound LNBF module constituting multiple LNBF units. The reflector is formed by projected aperture cutting and surface distortion of the aperture in accordance with the method of analysis and synthesis. In addition to reflecting signals from satellites, it also generates focused waves sharing similar radiation patterns and horizontal gain with incoming waves on the focal plane to be received by the compound LNBF modules.

Abstract: A multi-frequency antenna feed for incorporation into a single unit which combines at least two waveguides to provide simultaneous reception and/or transmission of signals in at least two separate frequency bands is described. This is achieved by creating a waveguide system of at least two waveguides sharing the same central axis; a central conventional waveguide which also acts as a center conductor for an outer coaxial waveguide and feeding the outer coaxial waveguide from a non-circular side feed, orthogonal to the waveguide axis, to set up a uniform field in the outer coaxial waveguide. The feeds are adjusted so that the phase center for each frequency band is at the same point in the feed for the same dish. Various embodiments of the invention are described.

Abstract: A dielectric fill disposed in a waveguide is used to form an antenna feed. One attribute of the dielectric fill is to enable a reduction in aperture size that in turn increases the beamwidth. More specifically, an RF signal received or transmitted at the end of the waveguide can have a wider half-power beamwidth angle than otherwise achieved without the dielectric filling the waveguide. A portion of the dielectric fill may protrude beyond the end of the waveguide to match the waveguide to free space. If the waveguide section is cylindrical in cross-section, a transformed section formed of an annular dielectric ring may be used to match the feed to a rectangular waveguide.

Abstract: A significant problem in rotationally symmetric dual reflector systems is the blockage caused by the sub-reflector. This blockage produces lower gain and higher side lobes. The invention disclosed herein can be used to minimize or eliminate the blockage effects. In its simplest form, the invention is to place a hole in the sub-reflector. This allows radiation to by-pass the main reflector and replaces the radiation which is blocked by the sub-reflector. In general this radiation and the radiation which progresses on the standard path, which includes the main reflector, will not be in a useful phase and amplitude relationship. However by appropriate design of the inner and outer sub-reflector surfaces, the main reflector surface, the feed aperture, the dielectric support and the possible use of a dielectric rod, the phase and amplitude relationships can be controlled. The invention also applies to cylindrical dual reflector systems which are symmetric about a plane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a feed horn for use in an antenna assembly having a non-circular reflector. The feed horn is capable of transmitting and receiving circularly polarized signals. The feed horn includes a circular waveguide section for connection to a transmitter and receiver of the antenna assembly. A conical waveguide section is connected to an opposed end of the circular waveguide section for creating a smooth transition from the circular waveguide section to a non-circular corrugated waveguide section. The corrugated waveguide section includes a plurality of corrugations that transition for a circular shape adjacent to the conical waveguide section to an increasing non-circular shape at an end proximal to the reflector of the antenna assembly. The corrugations have individuals depths defined in the inner wall of the corrugated waveguide section. These depths compensate circularly polarized signals propagating in the feed horn for distortions due to the non-circular reflector.

Abstract: An antenna includes a reflector having a first axis, a second axis, a focal zone that is about parallel to the first axis, and a focal point located within the focal zone. A transmit feed is located at the focal point, and at least one receive feed is located within the focal zone. The transmit feed is part of a bidirectional feed that includes an integral receive feed. The bidirectional feed transmits and receives an RF signal carrying digital information signals to and from a first satellite, such as an FSS satellite, and each respective receive feed receives a signal from satellite, such as a DBS satellite.

Abstract: A converter main body is formed from composite material wherein reinforcing material comprising carbon fiber is combined with plastic material comprising ABS resin in an amount that is 30 wt % thereof. The coefficient of linear expansion of that composite material is made to be less than or equal to the coefficient of linear expansion of aluminum die cast alloy.

Abstract: A satellite locator system used with a motor home has a parabolic reflector antenna dish, feedhorn and signal converter mounted on a turntable supporting electronic controls and elevation and azimuth motors operable to rotate the turntable and change the elevation of the dish to locate and target a satellite. A plastic dome mounted on a base plate attached to the roof of the motor home encloses the dish, feedhorn, signal converter, turntable, electronic controls, and elevation and azimuth motors. The dome has an inner semi-hemispherical surface located close to the signal converter to improve the signal strength. A remote console wired to the electronic controls is operable to initiate the satellite search and monitor the status of the satellite search.

Abstract: A microwave antenna for an aircraft including a reflector element with a front surface and a rear surface. A horn is mounted to the front surface of the reflector element and an orthomode transducer is mounted to the rear surface of the reflector element. The orthomode transducer is coupled to the horn. Solid state power amplifiers that amplify a microwave signal to be transmitted and low noise amplifiers that amplify a received microwave signal are coupled to the orthomode transducer. The solid state amplifiers and the low noise amplifiers are also located on the rear surface of the reflector element.

Abstract: A reflector antenna for use on a geosynchronous spacecraft or satellite for providing Earth coverage has a gain or directivity which is two or three dB greater at the edges than at the beam center, to provide coverage with more or less uniform field strength at the Earth's surface. The reflectors may be based on diverging prime focus or offset-feed parabolas, in which case the reflective surfaces of shaped reflectors have, in at least one plane, a central convex region and an “edge” convex region, separated by a concave region. The reflectors may be based on converging prime focus or offset-feed parabolas, in which case the reflective surfaces of the shaped reflectors have, in at least one plane, a concave central region.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing earth station interference in a receiver antenna from non-GSO and terrestrial sources is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an absorber coupled to a receiver antenna feed assembly disposed between the non-GSO or terrestrial source and the feed assembly. Embodiments are disclosed in which the absorber is strategically placed where it minimally affects the receiver antenna mainlobe performance, while reducing interference from non-GSO and terrestrial sources.

Abstract: The present invention provides antenna feed assemblies that allow the common waveguide portion of an antenna feed assembly to be rotated independent of a fixed communication waveguide. When rotated, the ports of the common waveguide are altered in terms of polarization with respect to signals propagating in the common waveguide, while the predetermined polarization between the ports remains the same. A rotatable coupling between the common waveguide and the fixed communication waveguide allows for communication of signals between the two waveguides, even though their ports are rotated with respect to each other. As such, the polarization of the waveguides associated with the antenna may be reconfigured, even though one of the waveguides remains at a fixed position.

Abstract: A microwave antenna for an aircraft including a reflector element with a front surface and a rear surface. A horn is mounted to the front surface of the reflector element and an orthomode transducer is mounted to the rear surface of the reflector element. The orthomode transducer is coupled to the horn. Solid state power amplifiers that amplify a microwave signal to be transmitted and low noise amplifiers that amplify a received microwave signal are coupled to the orthomode transducer. The solid state amplifiers and the low noise amplifiers are also located on the rear surface of the reflector element.

Abstract: A method and system for reconfiguring an antenna system are disclosed. The system comprises a feed horn, a subreflector, and a main reflector. The feed horn is pointed at an axis removed from the bisector axis of the subreflector. The distance between the feed horn and the subreflector can be changed to defocus the feed horn with respect to the subreflector, wherein a size of the outgoing beam emanating from the main reflector changes when the distance between the feed horn and the subreflector is changed. The method comprises pointing an axis of a feed horn at a subreflector, wherein the axis of the feed horn is aligned differently from the bisector axis of the subreflector, and changing the distance between the feed horn and the subreflector to defocus the feed horn with respect to the subreflector, wherein a size of an outgoing beam emanating from a main reflector changes when the distance between the feed horn and the subreflector is changed.

Abstract: An antenna includes a reflector having a first axis, a second axis, a focal zone that is about parallel to the first axis, and a focal point located within the focal zone. A transmit feed is located at the focal point, and at least one receive feed is located within the focal zone. The transmit feed is part of a bidirectional feed that includes an integral receive feed. The bidirectional feed transmits and receives an RF signal carrying digital information signals to and from a first satellite, such as an FSS satellite, and each respective receive feed receives a signal from satellite, such as a DBS satellite.

Abstract: An antenna array of parabolic rectangular reflectors for use in satellite communications. The antenna comprises two parabolic reflectors disposed contiguously on a common outer surface. The common surface forms a continuous antenna aperture. The parabolic reflectors have rectangular side edges which permit the adjacent edges of the parabolic reflectors to be spaced closely. The mouth of each parabolic reflector is focussed on a separate feed. The focus of the feed is not located at the center of the reflector but rather offset. The antenna feeds and the reflector foci are displaced toward the center of the array such that the spacing between the antenna feeds is less than half the length of the antenna. The present invention provides the displacement of each reflector focal point and each antenna feed toward the center of the array.

Abstract: A satellite locator system used with a motor home has a parabolic reflector antenna dish, feedhorn and signal converter mounted on a turntable supporting electronic controls and elevation and azimuth motors operable to rotate the turntable and change the elevation of the dish to locate and target a satellite. A plastic dome mounted on a base plate attached to the roof of the motor home encloses the dish, feedhorn, signal converter, turntable, electronic controls, and elevation and azimuth motors. The dome has an inner semi-hemispherical surface located close to the signal converter to improve the signal strength. A remote console wired to the electronic controls is operable to initiate the satellite search and monitor the status of the satellite search.

Abstract: An antenna includes a reflector having a first axis, a second axis, a focal zone that is about parallel to the first axis, and a focal point located within the focal zone. A transmit feed is located at the focal point, and at least one receive feed is located within the focal zone. The transmit feed is part of a bidirectional feed that includes an integral receive feed. The bidirectional feed transmits and receives an RF signal carrying digital information signals to and from a first satellite, such as an FSS satellite, and each respective receive feed receives a signal from satellite, such as a DBS satellite.

Abstract: A back frame 60 helps to minimize distortion of a dish assembly 100 by supporting the shape of the dish assembly and supporting the weight of a feed legs assembly 120. The back frame 60 includes a template assembly 61, a center frame 70, and a feed leg mount 90. The template assembly 61 includes dish-engaging leaves 62, 64, 66, and 68 which are double-hinged at an intersection point to provide support for the individual pieces of the dish assembly 100. The center frame 70 includes legs 72, 74, 76, and 78 that are connected in a substantially diamond-shaped configuration. The center frame 70 attaches to the dish-engaging leaves at the comers of the diamond-shaped portion. A cross-connect bar 80 provides an attachment point to the controller assembly. The center frame 70 also includes connection arms 82, 84, 86, and 88 that connect directly to the dish assembly 100.

Abstract: A multibeam antenna for receiving and transmitting microwaves from satellites comprises a parabolic reflector (12) with parallelogram rim and a plurality of feed elements (13) which are located alongside one edge of the reflector (12) close to focus with minimum distance to the center of the reflector (12). The feed elements (13) are arranged along lines close to 45, 135, 225, 315 degree from main axes of parallelogram rim.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Interactive Satellite Terminal antenna system comprising an antenna to which is associated a feed horn.

Abstract: An improved method is provided for pointing an antenna subsystem residing on a mobile platform towards a satellite in a satellite communication system. The improved method includes: transmitting a tone signal from the satellite; receiving the tone signal at the antenna subsystem; determining position of the mobile platform in relation to the satellite a monopulse tracking technique, where the position of the satellite is based on the tone signal received at the antenna subsystem; and pointing the antenna subsystem towards the satellite.

Abstract: A multi-band reflector antenna has a main reflector defining a prime focus and a frequency selective surface (FSS) sub-reflector defining an image focus. One or more transmitter or receiver feeds are provided at each of the prime focus and image focus. In one application as a ground satellite terminal, the antenna supports Ka-band two-way broadband Internet access bundled with multi-satellite Ku-band direct broadcast television service (DBS).

Abstract: A concave reflector is shaped to receive energy emanating from a signal source positioned at the reflector's vertex and to reflect all received energy in a uniform output direction. The reflector additionally introduces a designated constant phase shift into all reflected energy relative to unreflected energy from the signal source, regardless of where the received energy impinges upon the reflector. When the source signal is periodic, this reflector design minimizes near field interference between the reflected signals, since they all have the same phase shift relative to the unreflected source signal. Furthermore, if the reflector is designed to implement zero phase shift, reflected and non-reflected signals tend to combine additively in the far field, focusing most of the transmitted energy toward the center of the transmission pattern.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quickly connecting and disconnecting an antenna from a transceiver in a point-to-multipoint millimeter wave wireless communications system.

Abstract: A steerable antenna system for transmitting and/or receiving an electromagnetic signal to a relatively moving target includes a hyperbolic subreflector secured to a frame rotatably mounted on a support structure via a first motor and a feed source located at a first focus of the subreflector for illuminating the same. The source, fixed to the structure, has a source axis pointing at the subreflector. A parabolic reflector having a focus in common with the second focus of the subreflector to transfer the signal between the same and a planar reflector is secured to the frame and has a beam axis. The planar reflector having a normal axis intersecting the beam axis with an angle is rotatably mounted on the frame via a second motor to transfer the signal between the parabolic reflector and the target. The system may include a controller connected to the motors to control the system to steer at the target anywhere within a full spherical angular range.

Abstract: A multi-wave-reflector antenna dish simultaneously receives signals from different satellites. The antenna dish comprises a reflector with a superquadric projected aperture and a plurality of LNBF modules. The reflector is formed through process including, projecting the superquadric on the paraboloid, projected aperture cutting and surface distortion of the aperture based on the generalized diffraction synthesis technique. In addition to reflecting signals from satellites, it also generates focusing waves sharing similar radiation patterns and horizontal gain with incoming waves on the focal plane, finally to be received by the LNBF modules.

Abstract: A support arm arrangement or assembly for a satellite antenna and manufacturing method therefor. In one embodiment, the support arm arrangement includes a hollow support arm having a front end and a real attachment end is affixed to the antenna reflector adjacent is perimeter. A mounting arm may be attached to the rear surface of the reflector or, in another embodiment, the mounting arm comprises an integral portion of the support arm. A feed/LNBF assembly is supported with the front end of the support arm. The feed/LNBF assembly may be electronically coupled to a set top box by a cable that is passed through the hollow support arm and the hollow mounting arm. Methods of constructing support arm assemblies for satellite antennas are also disclosed.

Abstract: A reflector antenna system having a diplexer for providing isolation between transmitted and received signals, which eliminates the need for a diplexer to be inserted into the waveguide or coax transmission line coupling the antenna system with an external antenna electronics subsystem. The antenna system includes a main reflector to which is coupled a low effective dielectric tube. Transmit and receive feedhorns are supported within the tube. A hyperboloidal receive bandpass filter is supported in front of the receive feedhorn and a hyperboloidal transmit bandpass filter is disposed in front of the transmit feedhorn. The receive bandpass filter allows the received signal to pass therethrough but blocks the transmitted signal from the transmit feedhorn. Conversely, the transmit bandpass filter reflects the received signal received from the subreflector surface back towards the receive feedhorn while allowing the transmitted signal from the transmit feedhorn to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A horn mount assembly 160 attaches a horn assembly 180 to a main feed leg 122 and provides adjustment on the Y-Z tilt axis and along the z-axis axis. The horn mount assembly includes a wave guide mount circular clamp 162, a flexible wave guide mount 163, a horn circular clamp 164, a feed strut attachment plate 166, a Y-Z tilt jack screw 170, and a Z-axis jack screw 172. The feed strut attachment plate attaches to the main feed leg, while the horn assembly is secured by the horn circular clamp. The flexible wave guide mount is secured by the wave guide mount circular clamp, and a flexible wave guide connects to the flexible wave guide mount. The z-axis jack screw allows the horn assembly to move along the horn transmission beam axis towards and away from the centerpoint of illumination 110 of a dish assembly 100. The Y-Z tilt jack screw allows the horn assembly to pivot in a vertical plane.

Abstract: An alignment jig 220 aids in the positioning of a horn assembly 180. The alignment jig 220 includes an upper jig arm 222, a right side jig arm 224, a left side jig arm 226, and a reference ring 240. The jig arms are positioned at the top, right side, and left side of an antenna dish assembly 100, and each contain a telescoping jig arm 228, 230, and 232. These telescoping jig arms of the alignment jig dramatically decrease the unexpanded size of the alignment jig, thereby increasing the portability of the alignment jig. The ends of the telescoping jig arms attach to the dish assembly through the use of screw clamps 234, 236, and 238. The reference ring 240 suspending from the intersecting point of the jig arms and is positioned and oriented so that it correspondingly mates with the horn assembly when the horn assembly has been properly positioned and oriented.

Abstract: A multi-band reflector antenna has a main reflector defining a prime focus and a frequency selective surface (FSS) sub-reflector defining an image focus. One or more transmitter or receiver feeds are provided at each of the prime focus and image focus. In one application as a ground satellite terminal, the antenna supports Ka-band two-way broadband Internet access bundled with multi-satellite Ku-band direct broadcast television service (DBS).

Abstract: The invention provides a reflector forming a parabolic antenna, the reflector being characterized by the fact that it is made up of n contiguous layers of dielectric material defined by n+1 surfaces having distinct parabolic equations and shaped to define a common electromagnetic focus.

Abstract: A reflector antenna is disclosed with a main reflector and a rotatable sub-reflector that significantly reduces vibrations in the sub-reflector. The sub-reflector includes a reflecting surface located in front of the main reflector between the main reflector and a radiation source as well as a cylindrical shaft that extends in a direction parallel to a main axis of the main reflector. The sub-reflector is made of two connected parts, wherein one part includes the reflecting surface, and the other part is made of a non-reflecting material and formfittingly engages with the reflecting surface. The sub-reflector is rotatably supported on the cylindrical shaft and has a rotation speed of between approximately 1500 to 3500 rpm.

Abstract: A parabolic reflector antenna having a truncated parabolic surface such that the edges of the parabolic reflector form a rectangular side edge configuration. The parabolic reflector antenna is comprised of a truncated parabolic reflector, and at least one truncation wall projecting outwardly from the truncated side edges of the parabolic reflector. In addition, an antenna feed would be located at the focus of the parabolic reflector. As a result, the use of truncation walls does not increase the axial extent of the parabolic reflector. The truncation walls do not extend beyond the outer corners of the parabolic reflector. Furthermore, the additional use of truncation walls does not increase the overall size of the antenna or the size of the radome required to house the antenna. The use of one or more truncation walls advantageously increases or decreases the antenna sidelobe levels on either side of the reflector antenna.

Abstract: The invention involves a novel mechanical assembly incorporating, in a preferred embodiment, a technically advanced Cassegrain antenna design. The antenna achieves, in experiments, near theoretical performance with the minimum size. The Cassegrain antenna incorporates an intergrated DR array feed.

Abstract: A low noise block down converter adapter for an antenna includes a Y-shaped housing that is mated to one end of a support bracket, as well as a plurality of low noise block down converters with feed (LNBFs). The adapter incorporates a plurality of ports for connecting to the LNBFs, a plurality of outputs to a plurality of integrated receiver-decoders (IRDs), and a multi-switch for selecting among the connectors to connect a selected one of the plurality of LNBFs to a selected one of the outputs.

Abstract: A screw motion-driven tensegrity antenna support architecture is configured to stably deploy and adjustably control an energy-focusing surface, such as an RF wave-reflecting conductive mesh. A parallel platform structure is configured of an upper hexagonal platform and a lower hexagonal base, the perimeter geometry of each of which is defined by plural interconnected tensioned ties. Vertices of the hexagonal tie base and the hexagonal upper tie platform are interconnected by pairs of legs, each including a compression strut and a tension tie. The stability of the structure requires that the sum of the tie tension forces matches the sum of the compression forces in the struts. To control deployment from a stowed condition and the geometric parameters of the deployed RF reflecting surface, a screw motion-based drive system is coupled to the struts to define relative mutual rotation and pitch between the upper platform and lower base.