Horn antenna with integrated impedance matching network for improved operating frequency range

A horn antenna, comprising:

• a pair of ridges arranged opposite one another for guiding an electromagnetic wave there between;
• a conductive pin extending from an input/output (I/O) connector on the horn antenna, through a first one of the ridges and into a notch, which is formed within a second one of the ridges at a feed region of the horn antenna;
• and
• a dielectric material configured for securing a terminal end of the conductive pin within the notch and preventing physical contact between the conductive pin and the ridges.

A method for fabricating a horn antenna, the method comprising:

• providing a pair of ridges, so that inner surfaces of the ridges are positioned for guiding electromagnetic energy there between;
• inserting a conductive pin through a hole extending through a first one of the ridges;
• connecting one end of the conductive pin to an input/output (I/O) connector;
• and
• advancing the conductive pin and I/O connector assembly through the hole until a terminal end of the conductive pin is located within a notch formed within a second one of the ridges and the I/O connector is flush with an outer surface of the first one of the ridges.