Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving, by a feed point of a dielectric antenna, electromagnetic waves from a dielectric core coupled to the feed point without an electrical return path, where at least a portion of the dielectric antenna comprises a conductive surface, directing, by the feed point, the electromagnetic waves to a proximal portion of the dielectric antenna, and radiating, via an aperture of the dielectric antenna, a wireless signal responsive to the electromagnetic waves being received at the aperture. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Method and apparatus for coupling an antenna to a device

A distributed antenna system is provided that frequency shifts the output of one or more microcells to a 60 GHz or higher frequency range for transmission to a set of distributed antennas. The cellular band outputs of these microcell base station devices are used to modulate a 60 GHz (or higher) carrier wave, yielding a group of subcarriers on the 60 GHz carrier wave. This group will then be transmitted in the air via analog microwave RF unit, after which it can be repeated or radiated to the surrounding area. The repeaters amplify the signal and resend it on the air again toward the next repeater. In places where a microcell is required, the 60 GHz signal is shifted in frequency back to its original frequency (e.g., the 1.9 GHz cellular band) and radiated locally to nearby mobile devices.

Remote distributed antenna system

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device that facilitates transmitting electromagnetic waves along a surface of a wire that facilitates delivery of electric energy to devices, and sensing a condition that is adverse to the electromagnetic waves propagating along the surface of the wire. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Method and apparatus for sensing a condition in a transmission medium of electromagnetic waves

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system for detecting a fault in a first wire of a power grid that affects a transmission or reception of electromagnetic waves that transport data and that propagate along a surface of the first wire, selecting a backup communication medium from one or more backup communication mediums according to one or more selection criteria, and redirecting the data to the backup communication medium to circumvent the fault. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Method and apparatus that provides fault tolerance in a communication network

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a transmission device that includes a transmitter that generates a first electromagnetic wave to convey data. A coupler couples the first electromagnetic wave to a single wire transmission medium having an outer surface, to forming a second electromagnetic wave that is guided to propagate along the outer surface of the single wire transmission medium via at least one guided wave mode that includes an asymmetric or non-fundamental mode having a lower cutoff frequency. A carrier frequency of the second electromagnetic wave is selected to be within a limited range of the lower cutoff frequency, so that a majority of the electric field is concentrated within a distance from the outer surface that is less than half the largest cross sectional dimension of the single wire transmission medium, and/or to reduce propagation loss. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Guided-wave transmission device with non-fundamental mode propagation and methods for use therewith

Typical example of horn is shown where the inside wall is manufactured in a succession of slots and "teeth". The purpose of the corrugated surface is to provide the means to support the propagation of hybrid modes within the horn. Hybrid modes are basically a combination of TE and TM modes. Some basic information for the inexperienced horn designer to get started in designing their corrugated horn is provided. The class of circularly symmetrical corrugated horns and the parameters in designing are considered. As an example a standard Ku-band operation from a typical Earth station is also considered.

Design of corrugated horns: a primer

We investigate possible configurations for dual-band waveguide diplexing assemblies appropriate for use as feed systems for dual-reflector antennas. Specific applications are where the bands are well separated and, individually, have relatively wide bandwidths. Two crucial problems are addressed: the demanding bandwidth requirements of the feed horn and the subsequent means of diplexing the signals. We present results arising from the analysis of candidate systems and discuss a preferred option in detail.

Diplexing feed assemblies for application to dual-reflector antennas

It is shown that a specially profiled corrugated horn with a ring-loaded input converter section is capable of operating over bandwidth ratios of up to 2.4: 1. The cross polarization across the band is relatively low, and the change in beamwidth and phase-center position with frequency is acceptable for many applications. This "compact" horn is significantly smaller than the conventional wide-band corrugated horn, and is particularly recommended as a feed in a dual-reflector antenna where space is limited.

Design of wide-band compact corrugated horns

This paper presents the designing, manufacturing, and testing of a dual-band feed system for the Parkes radio telescope (Australia). The feed system consists of a coaxial horn and associated feed components to operate in the 648-712 MHz and 2.6-3.6 GHz frequency bands. The manufacturing of such a feed system was challenging, and we present the innovative solutions that were devised to fabricate the different parts of the feed system. Preliminary measurements indicate that the overall system, feed and reflector, is working to operational expectations, and valuable scientific results have already been obtained using the simultaneous dual-frequency capability.

The designing, manufacturing, and testing of a dual-band feed system for the Parkes radio telescope

A dual-band, dual-polarisation, coaxial receiver system for 10 cm and 50 cm wavelengths is being designed and constructed for the Parkes radio telescope. While the primary motivation is to provide a receiver system optimised for pulsar observations, the feed system will also be used for other wideband continuum observations, such as the 9 cm transition of CH and various recombination lines.

G.L. James

Papers

Design of corrugated horns: a primer

Diplexing feed assemblies for application to dual-reflector antennas

Design of wide-band compact corrugated horns

The designing, manufacturing, and testing of a dual-band feed system for the Parkes radio telescope

A dual-band feed system for the Parkes radio telescope