Vehicle mounted satellite antenna system with ridged waveguide

An antenna comprising:

• a waveguide, said waveguide including a ridged portion extending from a bottom surface, said ridge portion positioned longitudinally between a pair of walls coupled to said bottom surface;
• a radiating surface disposed adjacent to said waveguide;
• and
• a plurality of radiating elements, said radiating elements being distributed along said radiating surface.

A transition from microstrip to waveguide comprising:

• a waveguide, said waveguide including a ridged portion extending from a bottom surface, said ridge portion positioned longitudinally between a pair of walls coupled to said bottom surface, said waveguide including a bend;
• a radiating surface disposed adjacent to said waveguide;
• a plurality of radiating elements emitting said electromagnetic waves, said radiating elements being distributed along said radiating surface;
• and microstrip structure comprising a microstrip terminated on one end by a termination portion, said termination portion having a larger dimension than said microstrip said termination portion contacting said ridge portion below said bend.

A method for manufacturing an antenna comprising:

• forming a waveguide, said waveguide including a ridged portion extending from a bottom surface, said ridge portion positioned longitudinally between a pair of walls coupled to said bottom surface:
• forming a radiating surface having a plurality of radiating elements, said radiating elements being distributed along said radiating surface;
• and
• coupling said radiating surface to said waveguide.

A method for manufacturing an antenna comprising:

• forming a waveguide from a plastic material, said waveguide including a ridged portion extending from a bottom surface, said ridge portion positioned longitudinally between a pair of walls coupled to said bottom surface;
• forming a radiating surface from a plastic material;
• forming a plurality of radiating elements, said radiating elements being distributed along said radiating surface;
• and
• metalizing said waveguide and said radiating surface;
• and
• snap fitting said waveguide and said radiating surface together to form a structure.