Lockheed Martin Corporation

Joshua David Gustafson

Thomas Henry Hand

Thomas Patrick Cencich

Joseph M Torres

Braiden T Olds

Adam Blair Hess

Erik Lier

W Neill Kefauver

Aaron Christopher Rothlisberger

Colton Brent Martin

Madison P Gast

James Steven Harrison

Roger Douglas Hasse

Provided herein are various enhancements for antenna systems and directed radio frequency energy structures. In one example, an apparatus includes an antenna array comprising a plurality of Vivaldi antenna elements arranged about an axis perpendicular to a baseplate. Feed elements are coupled to each of the Vivaldi antenna elements through the baseplate. First alternating ones of the Vivaldi antenna elements are configured to transmit radio frequency (RF) energy at a first RF band, and second alternating ones of the Vivaldi antenna elements are configured to receive RF energy at a second RF band.

Vivaldi antenna structures with concurrent transmit and receive

Provided herein are various enhancements for antenna systems and directed radio frequency energy structures. In one example, an apparatus includes an antenna array comprising a plurality of antenna elements formed by waveguide structures embedded within a substrate and positioned about a longitudinal axis of the substrate to form at least two concentric ring arrangements of antenna elements. Apertures of the waveguide structures are configured to emit or receive radio frequency (RF) energy generally along the longitudinal axis. Feed elements are coupled to each of the waveguide structures on an end opposite of the apertures, and configured to couple the RF energy for the antenna array.

Waveguide antenna structures with concurrent transmit and receive

Provided herein are various enhancements for antenna systems and directed radio frequency energy structures. In one example, an apparatus includes a baseplate, an antenna array comprising a plurality of Vivaldi antenna elements arranged about an axis perpendicular to the baseplate, and feed elements coupled to each of the Vivaldi antenna elements through the baseplate.

Multimode vivaldi antenna structures

Enhanced components and assemblies for connector-less radio frequency (RF) interconnect systems are provided. One example includes two circuit boards each with a broadside coupling feature comprising a tapered circuit board trace having a terminal portion. The circuit boards are positioned in close proximity to establish a desired gap, and a dielectric material is positioned within the gap between circuit boards. The broadside coupling features of the circuit boards are then configured to convey RF signals over the gap without electrical contact.

Broadside coupled radio frequency interconnect

Aperture antenna structures with concurrent transmit and receive

A reflector antenna includes a reflector having a curved reflecting surface that extends around a longitudinal center axis, wherein the curved reflecting surface is defined by rotating a concave curve around the longitudinal center axis and wherein one end of the concave curve defines an apex on the longitudinal center axis. The reflector antenna may further include a ground plane extension having a flat reflecting surface abutting an edge of the reflector and extending radially away from the longitudinal center axis. A phased array feed may be arranged spaced apart from and opposite to the reflecting surfaces of the reflector and the ground plane extension. A tapered collar may be arranged adjacent to the phased array feed, wherein the tapered collar tapers outward away from the phased array feed and towards the reflector, and wherein the tapered collar comprises an inner reflective surface facing the reflector.

Phased array feed reflector collar and paraconic ground plane

Distributed gain equalization circuits for use with radio frequency (RF) devices are provided. The distributed gain equalization circuits include a substrate layer, multiple transverse electromagnetic (TEM) line circuits disposed on the substrate layer and multiple traces disposed on the substrate layer, each trace connected to one or more of the TEM line circuits. The traces and TEM line circuits are configured to provide resistances, inductances and capacitances to eliminate the need for lumped or packaged resistors, inductors and capacitors. The distributed gain equalization circuit operates at millimeter wave frequencies and provides a compensating gain slope to counteract a negative gain slope of the RF device. Methods of manufacturing distributed gain equalization circuits are also provided.

Wideband distributed gain equalization circuit

An antenna element includes a radiator element, a plurality of feed circuits and a multiplexing interface. The radiator element can transceive radio-frequency (RF) signals. The feed circuits, which include impedance and multiplexing features, are realized on multiple feed locations of the radiating element feed slot. The multiplexing interface is electrically coupled to the plurality of feed circuits and can multiplex a number of sub-band signals associated with the feed circuits. The multiplexing interface can provide a high isolation between the feed circuits.

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Littleton, CO, United States of America

Joshua David Gustafson