Dielectric waveguide antenna with improved input wave coupler
AssigneeWaveBand Corporation
InventorsVladimir A. Manasson, Lev S. Sadovnik
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Abstract
An improved millimeter wavelength antenna assembly having an input signal coupler, a dielectric waveguide, and a rotatable drum is disclosed. The input signal coupler reduces VSWR return losses and scattered radiation losses from the drum and matches a feeding waveguides characteristics to the dielectric waveguide. Embodiments of the invention include a reflector and a cylindrical lens to direct and form electromagnetic energy radiated by the antenna assembly.
Claims35
A drum millimeter waveguide antenna assembly comprising:
- a dielectric waveguide;
- an input signal coupler for matching the electromagnetic characteristics of a feeding waveguide to said dielectric waveguide said coupler comprising a horn-shaped element having an axial opening therethrough to receive said dielectric waveguide and a metal extension in proximal relationship with said horn-shaped element;
- a rotatable metal drum positioned in energy-coupled relationship with said input signal coupler whereby evanescent electromagnetic waves are coupled between said drum and said input signal coupler to direct the propagation of radiation from said antenna assembly.
An input signal coupler for matching electromagnetic characteristics of a feeding waveguide to a dielectric waveguide in a drum millimeter waveguide antenna assembly comprising:
- a horn-shaped element having an axial opening therethrough to receive said dielectric waveguide;
- and
- a metal extension abutting said drum and in proximal relationship with said horn-shaped element said extension operating to reduce scattering of electromagnetic energy from the edges of said drum.
A reflector for a drum millimeter waveguide antenna assembly said assembly comprising a dielectric waveguide and an input signal coupler having a horn-shaped element with an axial opening therethrough to receive said dielectric waveguide and a metal extention in proximal relationship with said horn-shaped element whereby said reflectors directs the propagation of evanescently coupled energy radiated by said antenna assembly.
A method of matching the electromagnetic characteristics of a feeding waveguide to a dielectric waveguide in an antenna assembly comprising the steps of:
- providing an input signal coupler to couple said feeding waveguide to said dielectric waveguide;
- and
- providing a horn-shaped element in said signal coupler said element having an axial opening therethrough to receive said dielectric waveguide and a metal extention in proximal relationship with said horn-shaped element whereby the electromagnetic properties of said horn-shaped element are chosen to lower the VSWR and return losses of said signal coupler.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.