Abstract:
In one aspect, a unit cell of a phased array antenna includes a printed wiring board (PWB). The PWB includes a first layer comprising a radiator, a second layer comprising a feed circuit configured to provide excitation signals to the radiator, a plurality of vias connecting the feed circuit to the radiator, a signal layer, an active component layer comprising an active component bonded to the signal layer and a radio frequency (RF) connector connecting the signal layer to the feed circuit.
Abstract:
A radio frequency (RF) module having a plurality of channels includes a heat sink having at least one tapered edge; a substrate disposed over a surface of the heat sink such that the tapered edge of the heat sink extends past a boundary of the substrate. RF, logic and power circuitry is disposed on the substrate and one or more RF signal ports are formed on an edge of the substrate to allow the RF module to be used in an array antenna having a brick architecture. The tapered edge heat sink provides both a ground plane for RF signal components and a thermal path for heat generating circuits disposed in the substrate.
Abstract:
A transition apparatus for connecting first and second circuit boards is provided. The transition apparatus includes a beam having edges and a length defined between the edges, beam circuitry running along the length of the beam and connections disposed at the edges of the beam to connect the beam circuitry with respective circuitry of the first and second circuit boards at respective interior, opposing surfaces thereof.
Abstract:
An array antenna includes a modular, multi-layer, multi-balun board structure for use in feeding a dual polarization radiating element. In some embodiments, contacts on a multi-balun board structure may be directly conductively coupled to corresponding feed points of a dual polarization radiating element during antenna assembly. The multi-balun board structure may be inserted into an opening within an aperture board of an array antenna before the contacts are secured to the feed points. Dual balun board structures may be provided for some or all of the radiating elements on the aperture board.
Abstract:
Guanella topology balun/unun impedance transformer contains cascaded, i.e., series-coupled, coils of different sizes implemented in RF CMOS technology. The cascading of differently-sized coils provides for a large resonance-free operating bandwidth. The shunt inductive loading maximizes low frequency performance.
Abstract:
In one aspect, a unit cell of a phased array antenna includes a printed wiring board (PWB). The PWB includes a first layer comprising a radiator, a second layer comprising a feed circuit configured to provide excitation signals to the radiator, a plurality of vias connecting the feed circuit to the radiator, a signal layer, an active component layer comprising an active component bonded to the signal layer and a radio frequency (RF) connector connecting the signal layer to the feed circuit.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for a dual polarized thumbtack radiator having enhanced dissipation. In embodiments, a power divider resistor for a balun is coupled directly to ground plane blocks that provide a RF shield. An attachment mechanism, such as a screw secures the thumbtack assembly to an aperture plate and provides thermal and electrical connection.
Abstract:
An electronic stripline circuit includes a flexible dielectric film having a three-dimensional coiled shape that defines a spiraled inner core. At least one electrically conductive signal trace is formed on a first surface of the flexible dielectric film. The signal trace extends along a signal path to define a trace length configured to control a time delay of a coiled time delay unit.
Abstract:
Wideband balun having good performance characteristics for use in feeding differential antenna elements in array antennas, balanced amplifier circuits and other applications is described. Also described is a common mode isolation circuit suitable for integration with the balun.
Abstract:
Wideband balun having good performance characteristics for use in feeding differential antenna elements in array antennas, balanced amplifier circuits and other applications is described. Also described is a common mode isolation circuit suitable for integration with the balun.