Integrated tracking antenna array combiner network
A combiner network is provided. The combiner network may include a combiner of a first type. The combiner network may further include a combiner of a second type. The combiner of a first type includes a first plurality of waveguide ports and an H-plane combiner connected to an E-plane combiner. The combiner of the second type includes a second plurality of waveguide ports and an H-plane combiner including a U-bend.
1. A combiner network, comprising:
a combiner of a first type for a first polarization type comprising a first plurality of waveguide ports, an E-plane bend, an H-plane bend, and a U-bend; and
a combiner of a second type for a second polarization type comprising a second plurality of waveguide ports, an E-plane bend, an H-plane bend, and a U-bend;
wherein the combiner of the first type and the combiner of the second type are manufactured together as a single indivisible element of an antenna array by a three dimensional printing process such that manufacturing the single indivisible element does not require a separate joining process for joining separate components.
2. The combiner network of claim 1 , wherein the combiner of the first type combines the first plurality of waveguide ports into a single waveguide.
3. The combiner network of claim 2 , wherein the first plurality of waveguide ports includes 4 waveguide ports.
4. The combiner network of claim 2 , further comprising a plurality of combiners of the first type each having a plurality of waveguide ports.
5. The combiner network of claim 4 , wherein the plurality of the combiners of the first type are combined to form a single waveguide from the plurality of waveguide ports.
6. The combiner network of claim 5 , wherein the single waveguide is provided to a waveguide dual-axis monopulse.
7. The combiner network of claim 5 , wherein the single waveguide is provided to a monopulse.
8. The combiner network of claim 1 , wherein the combiner of the second type combines the second plurality of waveguide ports into a single waveguide.
9. The combiner network of claim 8 , wherein the second plurality of waveguide ports includes 4 waveguide ports.
10. The combiner network of claim 8 , further comprising a plurality of combiners of the second type each having a plurality of waveguide ports.
11. The combiner network of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of the combiners of the second type are combined to form a single waveguide from the plurality of waveguide ports.
12. The combiner network of claim 1 , wherein the U-Bend is disposed between the H-plane combiner and the E-plane combiner, or the U-Bend is disposed between a first H-plane combiner and a second H-plane combiner.
13. A combiner, comprising:
a plurality of waveguide ports;
an H-plane combiner in electrical communication to an E-plane combiner, wherein the plurality of waveguide ports, the H-plane combiner, and the E-plane combiner are manufactured together as a single indivisible form by an additive manufacturing process.
14. The combiner of claim 13 , wherein the combiner is a combiner for a first polarization type.
15. The combiner of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of waveguide ports is 4 waveguide ports.
16. The combiner of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of waveguide ports include a septum dividing a first waveguide port from a second waveguide port in the plurality of waveguide ports.
17. The combiner of claim 13 , wherein the H-plane combiner includes a chamfer.
18. The combiner of claim 13 , wherein the E-plane combiner includes a septum.
19. The combiner of claim 18 , wherein the septum is a two-step septum.
20. The combiner of claim 13 , wherein the combiner provides a single port.
21. A combiner, comprising:
a plurality of waveguide ports;
an H-plane combiner comprising a combined port; and
a U-Bend that communicates with the combined port of the H-plane combiner and is connected to a subsequent combiner stage.
22. The combiner of claim 21 , wherein the H-plane combiner is a combiner for a second type of polarization.
23. The combiner of claim 21 , wherein the plurality of waveguide ports is 4 waveguide ports.
24. The combiner of claim 21 , wherein the plurality of waveguide ports includes a septum dividing a first waveguide port from a second waveguide port in the plurality of waveguide ports.
25. The combiner of claim 21 , wherein the H-plane combiner includes a chamfer.
26. The combiner of claim 21 , wherein the combiner further comprises an E-plane combiner that includes a septum.
27. The combiner of claim 26 , wherein the septum is a two-step septum.
28. The combiner of claim 21 , wherein the combiner provides a single port.
29. The combiner of claim 21 , wherein the U-bend facilitates a 180 degree change in a direction of propagation in a first axis and a 90 degree change in a direction of propagation in a second axis.