A tile subarray includes an upper multi-layer assembly (UMLA) provided from a first plurality of printed circuit boards and a lower multi-layer assembly (LMLA) provided from a second plurality of printed circuit boards Each of the UMLA and LMLA includes one or more radio frequency (RF) interconnects between different circuit layers on different circuit boards which make up the UMLA and LMLA The RF interconnects can include one or more RF matching pads which provide a mechanism for matching impedance characteristics of RF stubs to provide the RF interconnects having desired insertion loss and impedance characteristics over a desired RF operating frequency band The RF matching pads allow the manufacture of circuit boards having RF interconnects without the need to perform any back drill and back fill operation to remove stub portions of the RF interconnects in the UMLA and LMLA

Tile sub-array and related circuits and techniques

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include a planar antenna configured to transmit first signals as a first guided electromagnetic wave that is bound to a surface of a transmission medium, wherein the first guided electromagnetic wave propagates along the surface of the transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path, wherein the planar antenna includes an array of patch antennas that generates first near field signals in response to the first signals, and wherein a portion of the first near field signals combines to induce the first guided electromagnetic wave that is bound to the surface of the transmission medium.

Antenna system with planar antenna and methods for use therewith

Embodiments are provided for an agile antenna that beamsteers radio frequency (RF) signals by selectively activating/de-activating tunable elements on radial-waveguides using direct current (DC) switches The antenna comprises two parallel radial waveguide structures, each comprising a first radial plate, a second radial plate in parallel with the first radial plate, and conductive elements positioned vertically and distributed radially between the two plates The radial waveguide structure further includes a plurality of quarter RF chokes which are connected to the conductive elements via respective micro-strips and tunable elements The two parallel radial plates are separated by a height determined according to a desired transmission frequency range for RF signals, a length of the micro-strips, a diameter of the conductive elements, and a clearance space around each one of the conductive elements

Apparatus and method of a dual polarized broadband agile cylindrical antenna array with reconfigurable radial waveguides

The present invention relates to the fabrication of complicated electronic and/or mechanical structures and devices and components using homogeneous or heterogeneous 3D additive build processes. In particular the invention relates to selective metallization processes including electroless and/or electrolytic metallization.

Methods of fabricating electronic and mechanical structures

On-board heat dissipation can be achieved in radio frequency (RF) modules by integrating a heat sink into the RF module's antenna reflector. Said integration achieves a compact and aesthetically pleasing RF module design that reduces the overall footprint of modular active antenna systems (AASs). Embodiment antenna reflectors include portions that are perforated and/or exposed to free flowing air to provide enhanced heat dissipation capability.

Active antenna system (AAS) radio frequency (RF) module with heat sink integrated antenna reflector

A phased array antenna system having a corporate waveguide distribution network stripline printed circuit board. The stripline printed circuit board receives electromagnetic (EM) wave energy from a 1X4 waveguide distribution network input plate and distributes the EM wave energy to 524 radiating elements. The stripline circuit board enables extremely tight spacing of independent antenna radiating elements that would not be possible with a rectangular air filled waveguide. The antenna system enables operation at millimeter wave frequencies, and particularly at 44 GHz, and without requiring the use of a plurality of look-up tables for various phase and amplitude delays, that would otherwise be required with a rectangular, air-filled waveguide distribution structure. The antenna system can be used at millimeter wave frequencies, and in connection with the MILSTAR communications protocol, without the requirement of knowing, in advance, the next beam hopping frequency employed by the MILSTAR protocol.

Method and apparatus for forming millimeter wave phased array antenna

A method and apparatus is disclosed that is capable of verifying on site the health, calibration and integrity of individual phased array modules of a phased array antenna system and, in certain cases, enabling the phased array antenna system to overcome element failures by use of a beam-steering computer The present disclosure provides a test probe or RF radiator in or adjacent the antenna array for supplying and receiving test and calibration signals

Method for accurate auto-calibration of phased array antennas

Structure and method for an aperture plate (104) for use in a phased array antenna (100) is disclosed. The aperture plate (104) includes a plurality of waveguide transitions (106), each with a radiating end, a coupling end (111) and a body portion extending from the radiating end to the coupling end (111). The waveguide transitions (106) are spaced apart from each other wherein at least a pair of waveguide transitions are spaced apart closer to each other at the radiating end than at the coupling end (111). The method of manufacturing an aperture plate (104) for a phased array antenna (100) is also disclosed.

Phased array antenna with lattice transformation

An antenna array core comprising a plurality of microwave modules, a control layer, a mounting layer, and a signal distribution layer. The control layer is capable of distributing control signals to the plurality of microwave modules. The plurality of microwave modules are attached to an upper surface of the mounting layer and the mounting layer is made from a heat conductive material capable of cooling the plurality of microwave modules. The signal distribution layer is located below the mounting layer, wherein the signal distribution layer is capable of transmitting microwave signals to the plurality of microwave modules and wherein the arrangement of the plurality of microwave modules on the mounting layer, the control layer, and the wave distribution network form a layered architecture for the antenna core. The architecture is a balance between, size, thermal control, manufacturability, cost, and performance so as to be a unique solution.

Phased array antenna architecture

A phased array antenna system including a mandrel having compliant portions and an internally formed cooling passageway. The compliant portions are formed by removing portions of material along one end of the mandrel to form a plurality of pairs of generally U-shaped, leaf spring-like connecting areas. The connecting areas allow a degree of movement of a lower portion of the mandrel relative to the remainder of the mandrel, when the mandrel is fixedly secured to a printed wiring board (PWB). This enables flexible electrical interconnects, positioned over the compliant portions, to make electrical contact with circuit traces on the PWB, even if the PWB has a curved or undulating surface.

Richard N. Bostwick

Papers

Method and apparatus for forming millimeter wave phased array antenna

Method for accurate auto-calibration of phased array antennas

Phased array antenna with lattice transformation

Phased array antenna architecture

Compliant, internally cooled antenna apparatus and method