Modular waveguide feed horn
A modular waveguide feed horn is provided that includes an assembly having a waveguide plate section. The modular waveguide feed horn assembly also includes a feed horn section having at least one feed horn. The feed horn section is separately provided from and removably coupled to the waveguide plate section.
1 . A waveguide feed horn assembly comprising:
a waveguide plate section; and
a feed horn section including at least one feed horn, the feed horn section separately provided from and removably coupled to the waveguide plate section.
2 . A waveguide feed horn assembly in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a plurality of feed horns that are formed in pairs.
3 . A waveguide feed horn assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the at least one feed horn comprises an engagement portion configured to be inserted into an opening of the waveguide plate section.
4 . A waveguide feed horn assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the at least one feed horn comprises an engagement portion having a notch configured to align with a channel of the waveguide plate section.
5 . A waveguide feed horn assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the at least one feed horn comprises an engagement portion and wherein a gasket is provided on one of a lower end of the engagement portion and on a circuit card assembly to which the waveguide plate section is to be connected.
6 . A waveguide feed horn assembly in accordance with claim 5 wherein the gasket comprises a tri-shielded gasket.
7 . A waveguide feed horn assembly in accordance with claim 5 wherein the gasket comprises a conformable conductive material.
8 . A waveguide feed horn assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the at least one feed horn comprises one of a plastic injection molded structure and a molded or machined metal structure.
9 . A waveguide feed horn assembly in accordance with claim 8 wherein the at least one feed horn is plated with one of a metal and a conductive oxide.
10 . A waveguide feed horn assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the feed horn section comprises at least one mounting opening configured to receive a fastener therein to couple the feed horn section to the waveguide plate section.
11 . A waveguide feed horn assembly in accordance with claim 10 further comprising a plurality of feed horns and wherein the at least one mounting opening is provided in an offset arrangement between at least two of the plurality of feed horns.
12 . A waveguide feed horn assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the at least one feed horn comprises a flange configured to abut a top surface of the waveguide plate section.
13 . A waveguide feed horn assembly in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a plurality of feed horns configured in an abutting arrangement to form a feed horn array.
14 . A feed horn comprising:
an upper funneled portion; and
a lower engagement portion having a conductive gasket.
15 . A feed horn in accordance with claim 14 wherein the conductive gasket comprises a conformable material having metal fillers.
16 . A feed horn in accordance with claim 14 wherein the lower engagement portion comprises a flange.
17 . A feed horn in accordance with claim 14 wherein the upper funneled portion and lower engagement portion comprise a plastic material.
18 . A feed horn in accordance with claim 17 wherein the plastic material is metal plated.
19 . A feed horn in accordance with claim 14 wherein the upper funneled portion and lower engagement portion comprise a metal material.
20 . A method for providing a waveguide feed horn assembly, the method comprising:
forming a waveguide plate; and
forming at least one feed horn separate from the waveguide plate and that is configured to be removably coupled to the waveguide plate.