Additive manufacturing technology (AMT) low profile radiator

Abstract

Described herein is a low profile radiator (LPR) manufactured using additive manufacturing technology (AMT). Such an AMT radiator is suitable for use in an array antenna which may be fabricated usingAMT manufacturing processes.

Description

[0001] government rights [0002] Not applicable. [0003] Cross References to Related Applications [0004] This application claims U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 584,264, filed November 10, 2017, entitled "ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY (AMT) LOW PROFILE RADIATOR," and filed at Priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 584,300, filed November 10, 2017, entitled "LOW PROFILE PHASEDARRAY," which is incorporated by reference in its entirety at this. Background technique [0005] As known in the art, antenna or (radiator) designs typically employ standard printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing processes that rely on multiple process steps, expensive materials, and slow production cycle turnaround times. Multiple process steps lead to high costs and slow turnaround times. [0006] Also, antenna assemblies are typically manufactured through a series of processes (eg, lamination, conduction through backfill), which adds to the labor cost of manufa...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Multiple process steps lead to high costs and slow turnaround times

[0006] Also, antenna assemblies are typically manufactured through a series of processes (e.g., lamination, conduction through backfill), which adds to the labor cost of manufacturing the entire antenna assembly

In addition to increasing such labor costs, the use of multi-pass processes increases production cycle time, resulting in long build times

Also, if any circuit adjustments are required, using a multi-pass process may prolong any troubleshooting phase

Additionally, typical PCB processes do not allow for the small feature sizes necessary to produce low-profile arrays for space-based applications

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