Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An active phased array is provided that includes a plurality of subarrays (20) having an upper RF radiating panel assembly (22) including a plurality of radiating waveguides (26) and a feed waveguide (24) all formed of aluminum. RF radiating slots (28) are cut into one wall of each of the radiating waveguides and a silver-quartz mirror (42), with corresponding slots (44), is bonded to the outside surface. The array further includes a non-RF radiating lower aluminum support panel assembly (34) with a silver-quartz mirror (46) bonded to the outside face. The mirrors efficiently radiate thermal energy in the presence of sunlight. An active electronics module (30) is mounted in an aluminum housing, and includes an RF probe (56). The module 30 is supplied with RF signals, control signals and DC bias voltage over transmission lines contained in a multilayered circuit board (32). RF energy emitted by the probe is coupled from the feed waveguide to the radiating waveguides. Heat generated by the electronics module is conducted through the aluminum housing of the active electronics modules and transferred to the outer surfaces of the upper and lower panel assemblies where it is radiated into cold space.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim