Additively manufactured monolithic waveguide transmission line with stepped mode transition

A method comprising:

• additively manufacturing a conductive and monolithic structure comprising a waveguide to coaxial transition structure, and an extension portion extending from an end of the waveguide to coaxial transition structure;
• forming a layer of dielectric material above a first section of an upper surface of the extension portion, wherein a second section of the upper surface of the extension portion is configured for placement of an amplifier thereon;
• and
• forming a signal conductor above the layer of dielectric material, the signal conductor for transmission of radio frequency signals between the amplifier and the waveguide to coaxial transition structure;
• wherein:
• the upper surface of the extension portion has (i) a first section for placement of the amplifier thereon, and (ii) a second section that is between the first section and the waveguide to coaxial transition structure;
• the conductive and monolithic structure further comprises (i) a first ground conductor, a second ground conductor, and a signal conductor between the first and second ground conductors on a first plane above the dielectric material, and (ii) a third ground conductor on a second plane below the dielectric material;
• and
• the first and second ground conductors and the signal conductor are on the dielectric material.

An apparatus comprising:

• a waveguide to coaxial transition structure configured to transmit or receive a radio frequency signal;
• and
• an extension portion extending from an end of the waveguide to coaxial transition structure,
• wherein the waveguide to coaxial transition structure and the extension portion form a monolithic and continuous conductive structure;
• and
• wherein the extension portion is configured for placement of an amplifier thereon, for amplifying the radio frequency signal transmitted to or received from the waveguide to coaxial transition structure;
• wherein:
• an upper surface of the extension portion has (i) a first section for placement of the amplifier thereon, and (ii) a second section that is between the first section and the waveguide to coaxial transition structure;
• the apparatus further comprises (i) a dielectric material on the second section of the extension portion, and (ii) a first ground conductor, a second ground conductor, and a signal conductor between the first and second ground conductors on a first plane above the dielectric material, and (iii) a third ground conductor on a second plane below the dielectric material;
• and
• the first and second ground conductors and the signal conductor are on the dielectric material.