Lockheed Martin Corporation

Nathan Jastram

Jason Stewart Wrigley

Timothy Patrick Wink

Matthew David Arendall

Longitudinally ridged quad polarizer feeds include a waveguide spanning a longitudinal axis between a feed port and an antenna port, with first ridge elements that span longitudinally from the feed port on first opposing walls of the waveguide and second ridge elements that span longitudinally from the feed port on second opposing walls of the waveguide. A polarization of a radio frequency signal transiting the waveguide is altered based at least on a difference in longitudinal lengths between the first ridge elements and the second ridge elements. These polarizers can be formed from a single workpiece using an injection molding technique, leading to a reduction in manufacturing complexity, cost, and mass.

Longitudinally ridged quad polarizer feed

Enhanced components and assemblies for microwave radio frequency (RF) antenna feed systems are provided. One example includes radiating probes that propagate RF signals to intermediate waveguides that feed polarizers or filters associated with horn antenna elements. The radiating probes can couple to corresponding transmit/receive circuitry using coaxial link elements. The radiating probes comprise tunable components which can be shaped/sized to produce desired output characteristics (e.g., frequency ranges and gain properties). Many radiating probes can be integrated into a cover plate assembly that feeds an array of horn antennas. Interface elements with integrated waveguides can provide RF sealing between radiating probes and provide radiative coupling from radiating probes to corresponding waveguides that feed the array of horn antennas.

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Highlands Ranch, CO, United States of America

Nathan Jastram