Electromagnetic waveguide

Abstract

An electromagnetic (EM) device includes a first portion having an EM signal feed and a second portion disposed on the first portion, the second portion having a shaped metallized form having one or more shaped metallized cavities, the second portion further having a dielectric medium disposed within each of the one or more shaped metallized cavities, such that each one of the dielectric media has a 3D shape that matches the shape of a corresponding one of the one or more shaped metallized cavities.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to electromagnetic (EM) devices, particularly to EM waveguides, and more particularly to EM waveguides having dielectric loading. [Background technology]

[0002] EM waveguides in general are well known in the art of electromagnetic theory and related devices. While existing EM waveguides may be suitable for their intended purposes, there remains a need in the art for EM waveguides that offer improved performance at reduced size. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An embodiment comprises an EM device as defined by the attached independent patent claims. Further advantageous modifications of the EM device are defined by the attached dependent patent claims. One embodiment is an electromagnetic (EM) device having a first portion with a first mating surface and a second portion configured to be provided on the first mating surface of the first portion. The first portion has an overall height H1 and has an open-top structure with an upper surface profile having one or more vertical cavities filled with air and having a depth d1 where d1 < H1. The one or more vertical cavities each have a corresponding sidewall, and an outer exposed surface of the one or more vertical cavities having the corresponding sidewalls includes a conductor. The corresponding cavity of the one or more vertical cavities having the corresponding sidewalls forms a lower portion of an air waveguide (AWG). The second portion has an overall height H2 and has a lower surface profile configured to fit with the upper surface profile of the first portion, an upper surface profile having one or more vertical recesses with corresponding floor surfaces at a depth d2 where d2 < H2, each floor surface of the one or more vertical recesses having a bottom opening, and the one or more vertical recesses each being at least partially filled with a dielectric medium having a relative permittivity greater than that of air covering the corresponding bottom opening. A portion of the lower surface profile proximate to each bottom opening includes a conductor and forms an upper portion of the AWG.

[0004] One embodiment is an electromagnetic (EM) device having a first portion with an EM signal feed and a second portion provided on the first portion. The second portion has a formed metallized form having one or more formed metallized cavities and further has a dielectric medium provided inside each of the one or more formed metallized cavities such that each one of the dielectric media has a 3D shape that conforms to a corresponding one of the shapes of the one or more formed metallized cavities.

[0005] One embodiment includes an electromagnetic (EM) device having an EM signal feed, an air waveguide (AWG) in signal communication with the EM signal feed, and one or more dielectrically loaded launchers in signal communication between the EM signal feed and the AWG.

[0006] One embodiment includes an electromagnetic (EM) device having an air waveguide (AWG) having an EM signal feed, a plurality of antenna ports, and an EM divider network disposed in signal communication therebetween, the EM divider network providing a power dividing signal path between a corresponding one of the plurality of antenna ports and the EM signal feed, and a plurality of dielectric loading media disposed in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of antenna ports.

[0007] One embodiment is an electromagnetic (EM) device comprising an air waveguide (AWG) having a conductive interior surface; a ridge protrusion extending longitudinally within the AWG, the ridge protrusion having a conductive surface within the AWG; a first plurality of wall protrusions extending across at least a portion of a gap between a top surface and a bottom surface of the AWG, the first plurality of wall protrusions being on one side of the ridge protrusion and distributed in a direction parallel to the ridge protrusion, the first plurality of wall protrusions having a conductive surface within the AWG; and a second plurality of wall protrusions extending across at least a portion of a gap between a top surface and a bottom surface of the AWG, the first plurality of wall protrusions being on an opposite side of the ridge protrusion and distributed in a direction parallel to the ridge protrusion, the first plurality of wall protrusions having a conductive surface within the AWG. and a second plurality of wall projections distributed in a direction parallel to the ridge projection, the second plurality of wall projections having a conductive surface within an interior of the AWG, wherein a top surface of the AWG includes a first aperture between the ridge projection and the first plurality of wall projections on a first side of the ridge projection, and a second aperture between the ridge projection and the second plurality of wall projections on a second, opposite side of the ridge projection, the second aperture being longitudinally offset relative to the first aperture along a length of the AWG such that the first aperture and the second aperture are not directly opposite one another on opposite sides of the ridge projection.

[0008] One embodiment is an electromagnetic (EM) device, an air waveguide (AWG) having a long housing with a continuous arrangement consisting of a floor, a first wall, a ceiling, and a second wall when viewed in its axial cross-section, the floor, the first wall, the ceiling, and the second wall each containing a conductive material, the housing having, between the floor and the ceiling, an AWG having a distance H, and, when viewed in the axial cross-section of the AWG, a long ridge provided centrally and extending from the floor, the outer surface of which contains a conductive material and has a height h where h < H, a first signal port provided at a first end of the AWG, a second signal port provided at a second end of the AWG, which is provided at a distance from the first end, a first aperture extending continuously through the floor and the ridge at the first signal port, and a second aperture extending continuously through the floor and the ridge at the second signal port.

[0009] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. Referring to the exemplary and non-limiting drawings, like elements in the accompanying drawings are numbered alike.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] [Figure 1A] Depicts an identical front cross-sectional view of an exemplary EM device according to one embodiment. [Figure 1B] The same front cross-sectional view as FIG. 1A of an exemplary EM device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] A rotated isometric view of a partially assembled assembly of an exemplary upper portion of the EM device of FIG. 1A according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B] A rotated isometric view of a completed assembly of an exemplary upper portion of the EM device of FIG. 1A according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] An enlarged assembly view of an exemplary upper portion of FIG. 2A with an exemplary lower portion of the EM device of FIG. 1A according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating the completed assembly of FIG. 2B again, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1B is a rotated isometric perspective view of a close-up assembly view of another example of the upper and lower portions of the EM device of FIG. 1A, in accordance with one embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5 is a rotated isometric perspective view of an EM device similar to that of FIG. 4 but with an alternative feed structure, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a perspective end view of a completed assembly corresponding to the embodiment of FIG. 5A, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] 1B is a front cross-sectional view of an exemplary lower portion of a partially assembled EM device similar to that of FIG. 1A but having a dielectrically loaded signal feed port, according to one embodiment. [Figure 7A] 4 is a rotated isometric view of a waveguide layer of an exemplary EM device, according to one embodiment. [Figure 7B] 2 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of a waveguide layer of an exemplary EM device, in accordance with one embodiment. [Figure 8A] 1B is a plan view of an exemplary lower and upper portion of an exemplary EM device similar to that of FIG. 1A, according to one embodiment. [Figure 8B] 1B is a front cross-sectional view of an exemplary lower and upper portion of an exemplary EM device similar to that of FIG. 1A, according to one embodiment. [Figure 9A] FIG. 8C is a diagram of an EM device similar to that of FIGS. 8A and 8B, but with a coaxial signal feed, according to one embodiment. [Figure 9B] FIG. 8C is a diagram of an EM device similar to that of FIGS. 8A and 8B, but with a coaxial signal feed, according to one embodiment. [Figure 10A] 1B is a rotated isometric view of an exemplary lower and upper portion of an EM device similar to that of FIG. 1A, with the upper portion shown in stereoscopic view, according to one embodiment. [Figure 10B] 1B is a perspective rotated isometric view of an exemplary lower and upper portion of an EM device similar to that of FIG. 1A, with the upper portion shown in perspective, according to one embodiment. [Figure 11A]FIG. 10B is a top view of the EM device of FIG. 10A, according to one embodiment. [Figure 11B] 10B is a first cross-sectional front view of the EM device of FIG. 10A, according to one embodiment. [Figure 11C] FIG. 10B is a second cross-sectional front view of the EM device of FIG. 10A, according to one embodiment. [Figure 12A] 1 is a rotated isometric view of an exemplary lower portion of an EM device, according to one embodiment. [Figure 12B] 1 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of an exemplary lower portion of an EM device, in accordance with one embodiment. [Figure 13A] 1 is a top view of an exemplary lower portion of an EM device having a power divider junction with EM performance characteristics depicted, in accordance with one embodiment; [Figure 13B] 1 is a first rotated isometric view of an exemplary lower portion of an EM device having a power divider junction with EM performance characteristics depicted, in accordance with one embodiment; [Figure 13C] FIG. 13 is a second rotated isometric view illustrating EM performance characteristics of an example of an exemplary lower portion of an EM device having a power divider junction, according to one embodiment. [Figure 14A] FIG. 13C is a top view of an EM device similar to that of FIGS. 13A and 13B, but with a DRA and a lens, according to one embodiment. [Figure 14B] FIG. 13C is a perspective rotated isometric view of an EM device similar to that of FIGS. 13A and 13B, but with a DRA and lens, according to one embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 14C illustrates performance characteristics of the EM device of FIGS. 14A and 14B having a coaxial feed at the junction, in accordance with one embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 14C is a front cross-sectional view of the EM device of FIGS. 14A and 14B with a cut through the coupling slot, according to one embodiment. [Figure 17] 16 illustrates performance characteristics of the EM device of FIG. 15 in accordance with one embodiment. [Figure 18] 16 illustrates performance characteristics of the EM device of FIG. 15 in accordance with one embodiment. [Figure 19A] 16 illustrates various performance characteristics of the EM device of FIG. 15 in accordance with one embodiment. [Figure 19B]16 illustrates various performance characteristics of the EM device of FIG. 15 in accordance with one embodiment. [Figure 19C] 16 illustrates various performance characteristics of the EM device of FIG. 15 in accordance with one embodiment. [Figure 20] 19B illustrates performance characteristics of the EM device of FIG. 19A in accordance with one embodiment. [Figure 21] 19B illustrates performance characteristics of the EM device of FIG. 19A in accordance with one embodiment. [Figure 22A] FIG. 14C illustrates an EM device similar to that of FIGS. 14A and 14B, but with an input port signal feed partway down the waveguide, and a slotted output signal feed, according to one embodiment. [Figure 22B] FIG. 14C illustrates an EM device similar to that of FIGS. 14A and 14B, but with an input port signal feed partway down the waveguide, and a slotted output signal feed, according to one embodiment. [Figure 23] 22C illustrates performance characteristics of the EM device of FIGS. 22A and 22B, in accordance with one embodiment. [Figure 24] 22C illustrates performance characteristics of the EM device of FIGS. 22A and 22B, in accordance with one embodiment. [Figure 25A] FIG. 19A is a front view of an EM device similar to that of FIGS. 19A-19C, but having a single waveguide with dielectric loading material and associated performance characteristics, according to one embodiment. [Figure 25B] FIG. 19C is a rotated isometric view of an EM device having a single waveguide similar to that of FIGS. 19A-19C, but with a dielectric loading material and associated performance characteristics, according to one embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 25C illustrates the EM device of FIG. 25B and other associated performance characteristics, in accordance with one embodiment. [Figure 27] 27 illustrates performance characteristics of the EM device of FIG. 26 in accordance with one embodiment. [Figure 28A] FIG. 8C is a top-down plan view of an EM device similar to that of FIGS. 8A and 8B, but having a dielectric-loaded waveguide and associated performance characteristics, according to one embodiment. [Figure 28B]FIG. 8C is a front view of an EM device similar to that of FIGS. 8A and 8B, but having a dielectric-loaded waveguide and associated performance characteristics, according to one embodiment. [Figure 28C] FIG. 8C is a rotated perspective isometric view of an EM device similar to that of FIGS. 8A and 8B, but having a dielectrically loaded waveguide and associated performance characteristics, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings described herein below are for illustrative purposes only. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions or scale of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Furthermore, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated in multiple figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements, and similar elements may not be repeatedly recited in all figures, but will be recognized by those skilled in the art as being explicitly disclosed.

[0012] As used herein, the phrase "embodiments" means "embodiments disclosed and / or illustrated herein," which may not necessarily include specific embodiments of the invention according to the appended claims, but are nevertheless provided herein as useful for a complete understanding of the invention according to the appended claims.

[0013] Although the following detailed description includes many details for illustrative purposes, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and modifications to the following details are within the scope of the appended claims. For example, if a described feature is not mutually exclusive with respect to other described features, such combination of non-mutually exclusive features is considered to be inherently disclosed herein. In addition, a common feature may be commonly shown in various figures, but may not be specifically listed in all figures for simplicity. However, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a feature is explicitly disclosed even if not listed in a particular figure. Thus, the following example embodiments are described without loss of generality to, and without limitation of, the invention described in the claims disclosed herein.

[0014] One embodiment, as shown and described in the various figures and accompanying text, provides an EM device which, in one embodiment, is an assembled assembly having a first lower portion and a second upper portion, the first portion and the second portion forming an air waveguide (AWG) therebetween, the AWG including strategically placed dielectric loading to enhance performance.

[0015] Figure 1A depicts a front cross-sectional view of an example of an EM device 100 having a first (lower) portion 200 with a first mating surface 202 and a second (upper) portion 300 having a second mating surface 302 configured to be provided on top of the first mating surface 202 of the first portion 200 in the direction of arrow 102. The second portion 300 is attached to the first portion 200 at the first surface 202 and the second surface 302. The first portion 200 has an overall height H1. In one embodiment, the first portion 200 has an open-top structure 204 with an upper surface profile 206 having one or more vertical cavities (top-down cavities) 208 having air therein. The one or more vertical cavities 208 have a depth d1 where d1 < H1. Each of the one or more vertical cavities 208 has a corresponding sidewall 210, and the outer exposed surface 212 of the one or more vertical cavities 208 having the corresponding sidewalls 210 is made such that a conductor is provided thereon or a conductive surface is provided thereon. In one embodiment, the first portion 200 is formed of metallized plastic. In one embodiment, the corresponding cavity of the one or more vertical cavities 208 having the corresponding sidewalls 210 forms the lower portion 214 of an air waveguide, AWG 400. The second portion 300 has an overall height H2. In one embodiment, the second portion 300 has a lower surface profile 302 configured to be mechanically fitted with the upper surface profile 206 of the first portion 200 and an upper surface profile 304 having one or more vertical recesses 306 having corresponding floor surfaces 308 at a depth d2 where d2 < H2. In one embodiment, the second portion 300 further includes a bottom opening 310 at each of the floor surfaces 308 of the one or more vertical recesses 306. In one embodiment, each of the one or more vertical recesses 306 is at least partially filled with a dielectric medium 312 having a relative permittivity greater than that of air covering the corresponding bottom opening 310.In one embodiment, the dielectric medium 312 is provided on the floor 308 and is attached to the floor 308 by the adhesive 104, and a corresponding dielectric medium 312, adhesive 104, or combination of the dielectric medium 312 and adhesive 104 is provided on the corresponding floor 308 of each vertical recess 306 and at each bottom opening 310 of each corresponding floor 308. In one embodiment, the portion of the lower surface 302 profile proximate each bottom opening 310 has a conductor or conductive surface provided thereon or is made to have a conductive surface provided thereon to form an upper portion of the AWG 400. In one embodiment, the second portion 300 is formed of a metalized plastic. In one embodiment, the dielectric medium 312 can be a dielectric resonator antenna (DRA), a lens or EM beam shaper, or a loaded dielectric for impedance matching or otherwise improving performance. In one embodiment, one or both of the first and second portions are formed of a composite material consisting of multiple portions attached to each other.

[0016] In one embodiment, each vertical recess 306 has a wall 314 that substantially or completely surrounds a respective one of the dielectric media 312 disposed therein, and a surface of one or more of the vertical recesses 306, including the corresponding surrounding wall 314 and the corresponding floor 308, has a conductive material or a conductive surface disposed thereon or is otherwise configured to have a conductive surface disposed thereon. In one embodiment, the conductive surrounding wall 314 of each respective vertical recess 306 forms a conductive electromagnetic (EM) reflector (also referred to herein by reference numeral 306) that substantially or completely surrounds the dielectric media 312 disposed within the corresponding vertical recess 306.

[0017] FIG. 1B depicts a front cross-sectional view identical to that of FIG. 1A and is presented independently of FIG. 1A for clarity, but it should be understood by those skilled in the art that it supplements FIG. 1A, and in the figure, similar features should be considered to be numbered similarly. In one embodiment, also in addition to the foregoing description of FIG. 1A, the first portion 200 further has an engagement feature 214 at the top surface (refer to the first mating surface 202) of the side wall (refer to the outer exposed surface 212) of the corresponding cavity among one or more vertical cavities 208, and the second portion 300 further has a complementary engagement element 316 configured to engage with the corresponding engagement feature 214 of the first portion 200 at the bottom surface (refer to the bottom profile 302) of the second portion 300 proximate to the engagement feature 214 of the first portion 200.

[0018] In one embodiment, the engagement feature 214 of the first portion 200 forms an engagement recess, and the complementary engagement element 316 of the second portion 300 forms an engagement protrusion structurally configured to engage precisely with the engagement recess 214 of the first portion 200.

[0019] In one embodiment, also referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B in combination, the first portion 200 is a ridge protrusion 216 having a height h1 where h1 < d1 and provided inside each of one or more vertical cavities 208, and the ridge protrusion 216 also includes, for example, a conductive surface 218 on the sides and top. In one embodiment, each ridge protrusion 216 is provided in a structural relationship opposite to the corresponding one of the bottom openings 310 at each floor surface 308 of one or more vertical recesses 306 of the second portion 300. In one embodiment, the bottom openings 310 of each floor surface 308 of one or more vertical recesses 306 each form an electromagnetic (EM) signal feed aperture.

[0020] In one embodiment, each of the dielectric media 312 is integrally connected to another adjacent one of the dielectric media 312 by a relatively thin connecting structure 318 to form a monolithic dielectric media structure. In one embodiment, the relatively thin connecting structure 318 has an overall height dimension less than an overall height dimension of the dielectric media 312 and an overall depth dimension (going into the plane of FIG. 1B ) less than an overall depth dimension of the dielectric media 312. In one embodiment, the overall height and depth dimensions of the relatively thin connecting structure 318 are less than λ / 2, where λ is a wavelength at the operating frequency of the EM device 100. In one embodiment, the EM device 100 is operable in the following frequency ranges: from 1 GHz to 1,000 GHz, alternatively from 8 GHz to 300 GHz, and further alternatively from 50 GHz to 300 GHz.

[0021] In one embodiment, the second portion 300 is formed entirely of metal, or is formed from a metallized dielectric material, or is formed from a metallized molded or 3D printed dielectric material.

[0022] Reference is now made to Figures 2A and 2B in combination with the previous figures. Figures 2A and 2B depict two rotated isometric views of an example upper second portion 300 of the EM device 100 of Figure 1A at various stages of assembly. In one embodiment, the EM device 100 includes an arrangement in which one or more vertical recesses 306 of the second portion 300 each have a tapered sidewall 320 that tapers inwardly from top to bottom, and each of the dielectric media 312 has a 3D shape that matches the tapered sidewall 320 of a corresponding one of the one or more vertical recesses 306. In one embodiment, each of the dielectric media 312 has a 3D shape in the form of a trapezoidal prism. In one embodiment, each of the dielectric media 312 has a relative dielectric constant greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 15.

[0023] Referring now to Figures 3A-5B collectively and in combination with the previous figures, Figures 3A and 3B depict an example upper second portion 300 of Figures 2A and 2B in an enlarged assembly view along with an example lower first portion 200 of the EM device 100 of Figure 1A, Figure 4 depicts a rotated isometric view of an enlarged assembly view of another example first portion 200 and second portion 300 of the EM device 100 of Figure 1A, and Figures 5A and 5B depict views of an EM device 100 similar to that of Figure 4 but having an alternative feed structure, which will now be described.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first portion 100 includes the EM signal feed 250, and the second portion 300 is disposed on the first portion 200, the second portion 300 having a shaped metallized form having one or more shaped metallized cavities or vertical recesses 306, and the second portion 300 also includes a dielectric medium 312 disposed within each of the one or more shaped metallized cavities 306, such that each one of the dielectric media 312 has a 3D shape that matches the shape of a corresponding one of the one or more shaped metallized cavities 306. In one embodiment, the EM signal feed 250 of the first portion 200 is an EM waveguide, and each of the one or more shaped metallized cavities 306 of the second portion 300 has a bottom opening 310 (best seen with reference to FIG. 1A ), and the top surface 252 of the first portion 200 has a conductive surface with one or more apertures 254 in a one-to-one corresponding relationship with each bottom opening 310 of the second portion 300. In one embodiment, the EM signal feed 250 of the first portion 200 is a substrate integrated waveguide (SIW).

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, and with particular reference to FIG. 4, the second portion 300 includes an EM signal feed structure 350 in signal communication with each of the one or more shaped metallized cavities 306, and the first portion 200 has an EM signal feed input 260 in signal communication with the EM signal feed structure 350 of the second portion 300. In one embodiment, the EM signal feed structure 350 of the second portion 300 includes air or a dielectric material other than air. In one embodiment, the EM signal feed input 260 of the first portion 200 is either a SIW slotted aperture (see, e.g., FIG. 4) or a coaxial cable (see, e.g., FIGS. 5A and 5B).

[0026] Reference is now made to FIG. 6 in combination with the previous figures, which illustrates a front cross-sectional view of an example lower first portion 200 of an EM device 100 similar to that of FIG. 1A but having a dielectrically loaded signal feed port 260, which will now be described.

[0027] In one embodiment, the EM device 100 includes an EM signal feed 250, an air waveguide (AWG) 400 in signal communication with the EM signal feed 250, and one or more dielectrically loaded launchers 500 in signal communication between the EM signal feed 250 and the AWG 400. In one embodiment, the AWG 400 has a signal input port 260 in signal communication with the EM signal feed 250, and the one or more dielectrically loaded launchers 500 are disposed at the signal input port 260. In one embodiment, each one of the one or more dielectrically loaded launchers 500 includes a dielectric medium having a dielectric constant greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 15.

[0028] In one embodiment, the EM signal feed 250 includes a plurality of transmit channels 270 or receive channels 275 (best seen with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B ), with a respective one of the one or more dielectrically loaded launchers 500 provided in signal communication with and between the AWG 400 and a corresponding one of the plurality of transmit channels 270 or receive channels 275. In one embodiment, the EM signal feed 250 includes an RF chip, SIW, microstrip, stripline, slotted aperture, or patch.

[0029] 7A and 7B in combination with the previous figures, which depict rotated isometric and front cross-sectional views of an example waveguide layer 452 of an EM device 100. In one embodiment, the EM device 100 comprises an EM signal feed 250, an AWG 450 having a plurality of antenna ports 270, 275, an EM divider network 460 in signal communication with and disposed between the plurality of antenna ports 270, 275 and the EM signal feed 250, the EM divider network 460 providing a power dividing signal path between a corresponding one of the plurality of antenna ports 270, 275 and the EM signal feed 250, and a plurality of dielectric loading media 500 in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of antenna ports 270, 275 (best seen with reference to FIG. 6 in combination with FIGS. 7A and 7B).

[0030] Referring now to Figures 8A-11C collectively and in combination with the previous figures, Figures 8A and 8B depict plan and front cross-sectional views of an exemplary lower and upper portion of an exemplary EM device similar to that of Figure 1A, Figures 9A and 9B depict views of an EM device 100 similar to that of Figures 8A and 8B but having a coaxial signal feed, Figures 10A and 10B depict rotated isometric views of an exemplary lower and upper portion of an EM device 100 similar to that of Figure 1A, with the upper portion depicted in stereoscopic and perspective, and Figures 11A-11C depict plan and front cross-sectional views of the EM device 100 of Figures 10A and 10B.

[0031] In one embodiment, the EM device 100 includes a first portion 200 and a second portion 300 disposed on the first portion 200, the first portion 200 having an AWG 400 with a conductive inner surface and a ridge protrusion 216 extending longitudinally within the AWG 400 (i.e., into the plane of the drawing of FIG. 8B ), the ridge protrusion 216 having a conductive surface within the AWG 400. The first portion 200 also includes a first plurality of wall protrusions 280 extending across at least a portion of the gap 220 between the top surface 222 and the bottom surface 224 of the AWG 400, the first plurality of wall protrusions 280 being disposed on one side of the ridge protrusion 216 and distributed in a direction parallel to the ridge protrusion 216 (i.e., into the plane of the drawing of FIG. 8A , as depicted in plan view), the first plurality of wall protrusions 280 having a conductive surface within the AWG 400. 8A , and a second plurality of wall protrusions 285 extending across at least a portion of the gap 220 between the top surface 222 and the bottom surface 224 of the AWG 400, the second plurality of wall protrusions 285 being disposed on an opposite side of the ridge protrusion 216 and distributed in a direction parallel to the ridge protrusion 216 (i.e., into the drawing plane of FIG. 8A , as depicted in plan view), the second plurality of wall protrusions 285 also having a conductive surface within the interior of the AWG 400.

[0032] In one embodiment, the upper / top surface 222 of the AWG 400 has a first aperture 310.1 disposed between the ridge protrusion 216 and a first plurality of wall protrusions 280 on one side of the ridge protrusion 216, and a second aperture 310.2 disposed between the ridge protrusion 216 and the first plurality of wall protrusions 280 on a second opposite side of the ridge protrusion 216. In one embodiment, the second aperture 310.2 is longitudinally offset relative to the first aperture 310.1 along the length of the AWG 400 (as seen in the plan view of FIG. 8A ) such that the first aperture 310.1 and the second aperture 310.2 are not directly opposite one another on opposite sides of the ridge protrusion 216.

[0033] In one embodiment, the first plurality of wall projections 280 includes a first row 280.1 of wall projections extending only partially from the bottom surface 224 of the AWG 400 toward the top surface 222 of the AWG 400, and a second row 280.2 of wall projections extending only partially from the top surface 222 of the AWG 400 toward the bottom surface 224 of the AWG 400, and the second plurality of wall projections 285 includes a third row 285.1 of wall projections extending only partially from the top surface 222 of the AWG 400 toward the bottom surface 222 of the AWG 400, and a fourth row 285.2 of wall projections extending only partially from the bottom surface 224 of the AWG 400 toward the top surface 222 of the AWG 400.

[0034] In one embodiment, the first row of wall protrusions 280.1 is outboard of the second row of wall protrusions 280.2 relative to the ridge protrusion 216, and the fourth row of wall protrusions 285.2 is outboard of the third row of wall protrusions 285.1 relative to the ridge protrusion 216.

[0035] In one embodiment, the ridge protrusion 216 is a metallized dielectric material. In one embodiment, and with particular reference to Figures 10A and 10B, a second portion 300 is provided on the first portion 200, the second portion 300 including a first vertical recess 306.1 axially centered with the first aperture 310.1 and a second vertical recess 306.2 axially centered with the second aperture 310.2, and the second portion 300 including the first vertical recess 306.1 and the second vertical recess 306.2 has a conductive surface. In one embodiment, the first vertical recess 306.1 and the second vertical recess 306.2 with a conductive surface form an EM reflector.

[0036] In one embodiment, the second portion 300 has an overall height H2 (see, e.g., FIG. 1A), and each of the first vertical recess 306.1 and the second vertical recess 306.2 has a corresponding floor surface at a depth d2 where d2 < H2, and the corresponding floor surfaces each have apertures 310.1, 310.2 that mimic a corresponding one of the first aperture 254 and the second aperture 254 of the first portion 200 (see, e.g., the plurality of apertures 254 in FIG. 3A).

[0037] In one embodiment, a dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) 312 (see, e.g., FIG. 1A) is provided in each of the first vertical recess 306.1 and the second vertical recess 306.2 of the second portion 300 so as to cover the corresponding aperture of each of the first aperture 310.1 and the second aperture 310.2.

[0038] In one embodiment, also referring to FIGS. 8A - 9B, the AWG 400 includes a signal input port 402, and the first portion 200 further includes a signal feed 260' provided to electromagnetically excite the signal input port 402 of the AWG 400. In one embodiment, the signal feed 260' is in the form of a coaxial cable.

[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 12A and 12B in combination with the previous figures, these figures depict a rotational isometric view and a front cross-sectional view of an example of the lower portion 200 of the EM device 100. In one embodiment, the EM device 100 includes an AWG 400, which, when viewed in its axial cross-sectional view, has an elongated housing 470 having a continuous arrangement consisting of a floor surface 472, a first wall 474, a ceiling 476, and a second wall 478. The floor surface 472, the first wall 474, the ceiling 476, and the second wall 478 each have a conductive material, and the housing 470 has a distance H between the floor surface 472 and the ceiling 476. Also when viewed in the axial cross-sectional view of the AWG 400, the EM device 100 further includes an elongated ridge protrusion 216 provided centrally and extending from the floor surface 472. The outer surface 218 of the ridge has a conductive material. The ridge protrusion 216 has a height h where h < H. A first signal port 260 is provided at the first end 404 of the AWG 400, and a second signal port 262 is provided at the second end 406 of the AWG 400. The second end 406 is provided at a distance from the first end 404. At the first signal port 260, a first aperture 256 extends continuously through the floor surface 472 and the ridge protrusion 216. At the second signal port 262, a second aperture 258 extends continuously through the floor surface 472 and the ridge protrusion 216.

[0040] In one embodiment, the EM device 100 further includes a first EM signal feed 260' provided in a signal communication state with the first signal port 260. In one embodiment, the first EM signal feed 260' is a coaxial signal feed extending through the first aperture 256, and the signal line 261 of the coaxial signal feed extends within the AWG 400 between the top of the ridge protrusion 216 and the ceiling 476 of the AWG 400.

[0041] In one embodiment, the EM device 100 further includes a second EM signal feed 262' provided in a signal communication state with the second signal port 262. In one embodiment, the first EM signal feed 260' is a transmit signal feed and the second EM signal feed 262' is a receive signal feed configured to receive an EM signal from the first EM signal feed 260' via the AWG 400.

[0042] In one embodiment, the interior volume 408 of the AWG 400 is defined by the floor 472, first wall 474, ceiling 476, and second wall 478 of the AWG 400, as well as by the exterior surface of the ridge protrusion 216, and contains air. As used herein, the phrase "containing air" necessarily includes air, but does not exclude the presence of other non-air materials, such as air-filled foam, for example.

[0043] Reference is now made to FIGS. 13A-13C, in combination with the previous figures, which illustrate top and rotated isometric views of an example lower portion 200 of an EM device 100 having a power splitter junction 600.

[0044] In one embodiment, the AWG 400 is a first AWG 400, the ridge protrusion 216 is a first ridge protrusion 216, and further, the lower portion 200 of the EM device 100 includes another AWG and another ridge protrusion to define a second AWG 420 having a second ridge protrusion 226. In one embodiment, the second AWG 420 and the second ridge protrusion 226 are disposed parallel to the first AWG 400 and the first ridge protrusion 216, respectively. In one embodiment, the first end 404 of the first AWG 400 is coupled to the first end 424 of the second AWG 420 via a power divider junction 600, such that the first signal port 260 is a common signal port for both the first AWG 400 and the second AWG 420. In one embodiment, the second signal port 262 is located at the second end 406 of the first AWG 400, and the lower portion 200 further includes a third signal port 264 located at a second end 426 of the second AWG 420, the second end 426 being spaced apart from the first end 424 of the second AWG 420. In one embodiment, the first AWG 400 and the second AWG 420 are separated by a conductive wall 290 therebetween, the conductive wall 290 extending between and electrically connected to the floor 472 and the ceiling of the first AWG 400 and the second AWG 420. In one embodiment, the power splitter junction 600 is a 3 dB power splitter junction. In one embodiment, the first signal port 260 is in signal communication with both the second signal port 262 and the third signal port 264 via the power splitter junction 600 .

[0045] 14A-16, FIGS. 14A and 14B depict plan and perspective rotated isometric views of EM device 100 similar to those of FIGS. 13A-13C, but with corresponding DRA 312 and lens 380 in signal communication with corresponding ones of second signal port 262 and third signal port 264, FIG. 15 depicts performance characteristics of the coaxially fed 3 dB power splitter of EM device 100 of FIG. 14, and FIG. 16 depicts a front cross-sectional view of EM device 100 of FIGS. 14A and 14B with a cut through coupling slots 254.1, 254.2. In one embodiment, the second signal port 262 has a first elongated slotted aperture (coupling slot) 254.1 having a longitudinal extension across the width of the first AWG 400, and the third signal port 264 has a second elongated slotted aperture (coupling slot) 254.2 having a longitudinal extension across the width of the second AWG 420. In one embodiment, the EM device 100 has a first DRA 312.1 disposed at the second signal port 262 on the first elongated slotted aperture 254.1 and a second DRA 312.2 disposed at the third signal port 264 on the second elongated slotted aperture 254.2. In one embodiment, the EM device 100 further comprises a first dielectric beam shaper (alternatively referred to herein as a lens) 380.1 disposed on the first DRA 312.1 and a second dielectric beam shaper (lens) 380.2 disposed on the second DRA 312.2. In one embodiment, the first dielectric beam shaper 380.1 substantially or completely obscures the first DRA 312.1, and the second dielectric beam shaper 380.2 substantially or completely obscures the second DRA 312.2. In one embodiment, the first DRA 312.1 has a total height A1, the first dielectric beam shaper 380.1 has a total height B1, and B1>A1. Also, the second DRA 312.2 has a total height A2, and the second dielectric beam shaper 380.2 has a total height B2, and B2>A2. In one embodiment, B1 is greater than or equal to 2 times A1 and B2 is greater than or equal to 2 times A2.In one embodiment, the second DRA 312.2 has the same shape, size, and composition as the first DRA 312.1, and the second dielectric beam shaper 380.2 has the same shape, size, and composition as the first dielectric beam shaper 380.1.

[0046] In one embodiment, also referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, the first AWG 400 and the second AWG 420 are combined to provide a first portion 200 of the EM device 100, and further the EM device 100 includes a second portion 300 provided on the first portion 200. The second portion 300 has a first vertically extending recess 306.1 axially centered with the first elongate slotted aperture 254.1 of the first portion 200, and a second vertically extending recess 306.2 axially centered with the second elongate slotted aperture 254.2 of the first portion 200. The second portion 300 including the first vertically extending recess 306.1 and the second vertically extending recess 306.2 has a conductive surface. In one embodiment, the first vertically extending recess 306.1 and the second vertically extending recess 306.2 having a conductive surface form an EM reflector. Also, referring most clearly to FIG. 16 in one embodiment, the second portion 300 has an overall height H2, and each of one of the first vertically extending recess 306.1 and the second vertically extending recess 306.2 has a corresponding floor 308 at a depth d2 where d2 < H2. The corresponding floors 308 each have apertures 310.1, 310.2 that mimic a corresponding one of the first elongate slotted aperture 254.1 and the second elongate slotted aperture 254.2 of the first portion 200. In one embodiment, the first DRA 312.1 is provided within the first vertically extending recess 306.1, and the second DRA 312.2 is provided within the second vertically extending recess 306.2. In one embodiment, the first dielectric beam shaper 380.1 is provided within the first vertically extending recess 306.1, and the second dielectric beam shaper 380.2 is provided within the second vertically extending recess 306.2.

[0047] In one embodiment, and as illustrated in Figure 15, also in conjunction with Figures 14A and 14B, a coaxial signal feed 260' is provided at the power splitter junction 600. Figure 15 illustrates the performance characteristics of the EM device 100 of Figures 14A and 14B with a coaxial feed 260' at the splitter junction 600.

[0048] Figures 17-21 depict various performance characteristics of the EM device 100 of Figures 14A and 14B with the coaxial signal feed 260' depicted in Figure 15. For example, Figure 17 depicts the return loss, gain, and realized gain, EM performance characteristics of the EM device of Figure 15, Figure 18 depicts the azimuth and elevation EM performance characteristics of the wave port fed version of the EM device of Figure 15, Figures 19A-C depict various EM performance characteristics of the EM device of Figure 15, Figure 20 depicts the coaxially fed ridge waveguide vertical polarization coupled to a DRA EM performance characteristics of the EM device of Figure 19A, and Figure 21 depicts the azimuth and elevation EM performance characteristics of the coaxially fed version of the EM device of Figure 19A.

[0049] 22A-24, Fig. 22A and Fig. 22B respectively depict an EM device 100 similar to that of Fig. 14A and Fig. 14B but with a signal input port 402 at the first end 404 of the AWG 400, 420 (compare Fig. 14A-15) and slotted output signal feeds 254.1, 254.2 partway down the waveguide 400, 420 (compare Fig. 13A-13C), Fig. 23 depicts the return loss, gain, and realized gain, EM performance characteristics of the EM device 100 of Fig. 22A and Fig. 22B where two resonators are fed by a branch waveguide operating in vertical polarization, and Fig. 24 depicts the azimuth and elevation EM performance characteristics of the EM device 100 of Fig. 22A and Fig. 22B.

[0050] 13A-13C, but also referring to FIGURES 22A and 22B, an embodiment of the EM device 100 includes a first AWG 400 having a first ridge protrusion 216 and a second AWG 420 having a second ridge protrusion 226, where the second AWG 420 and the second ridge protrusion 226 are shown parallel to the first AWG 400 and the first ridge protrusion 216, respectively. A first end 404 of the first AWG 400 is coupled to a first end 424 of the second AWG 420 via a power divider junction 600, such that the first signal port 260 is a common signal port for both the first AWG 400 and the second AWG 420. The second signal port 262 is disposed midway between the first end 404 and the second end 406 of the first AWG 400, and the third signal port 264 is disposed midway between the first end 424 and the second end 426 of the second AWG 420, the second end 426 of the second AWG 420 being spaced apart from the first end 424 of the second AWG 420. The first AWG 400 and the second AWG 420 are separated by a conductive wall 290 disposed therebetween, the conductive wall 290 extending between and electrically connected to a floor 472 and a ceiling 476 of the first AWG 400 and the second AWG 420.

[0051] In one embodiment, the second signal port 262 includes a first elongated slotted aperture 254.1 having a longitudinal extension across the width of the first AWG 400, and the third signal port 264 includes a second elongated slotted aperture 254.2 having a longitudinal extension across the width of the second AWG 420.

[0052] In one embodiment, the first DRA 312.1 is provided at a second signal port 262 on the first elongated slotted aperture 254.1, and the second DRA 312.2 is provided at a third signal port 264 on the second elongated slotted aperture 254.2.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first dielectric beam shaper 380.1 is disposed above the first DRA 312.1, and the second dielectric beam shaper 380.2 is disposed above the second DRA 312.2. In one embodiment, the first dielectric beam shaper 380.1 substantially or completely encapsulates the first DRA 312.1, and the second dielectric beam shaper 380.2 substantially or completely encapsulates the second DRA 312.2. In one embodiment, and referring to FIG. 14 in combination with FIG. 22, the first DRA 312.1 has a total height A1, the first dielectric beam shaper 380.1 has a total height B1, and B1>A1. Also, the second DRA 312.2 has a total height A2, and the second dielectric beam shaper 380.2 has a total height B2, and B2>A2. In one embodiment, B1 is greater than or equal to 2 times A1 and B2 is greater than or equal to 2 times A2.

[0054] In one embodiment, the second DRA 312.1 has the same shape, size, and composition as the first DRA 312.1, and the second dielectric beam shaper 380.2 has the same shape, size, and composition as the first dielectric beam shaper 380.1.

[0055] Similar to the EM device 100 of FIGS. 14A and 14B, and referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B in combination with FIGS. 22A and 22B, the EM device 100 depicted in FIGS. 22A and 22B is configured such that the first AWG 400 and the second AWG 420 are combined to provide the first portion 200 of the EM device 100. Further, the EM device 100 includes a second portion 300 provided on the first portion 200. The second portion 300 has a first vertical recess 306.1 axially centered with the first elongated slotted aperture 254.1 of the first portion 200, and a second vertical recess 306.2 axially centered with the second elongated slotted aperture 254.2 of the first portion 200. And the second portion 300 including the first vertical recess 306.1 and the second vertical recess 306.2 has a conductive surface. As can be seen by comparing the EM device 100 of FIGS. 22A and 22B with that of FIGS. 14A and 14B, the difference between the two embodiments lies in the location of the elongated slotted apertures 254.1, 254.2, and the corresponding vertical recesses 306.1, 306.2. In FIGS. 14A and 14B, they are located at the ends of the waveguides 400, 420, while in FIGS. 22A and 22B, they are located not at the ends of the waveguides 400, 420 but, for example, in the middle between the ends of the waveguides 400, 420.

[0056] In one embodiment, the first vertical recess 306.1 and the second vertical recess 306.2 having a conductive surface form an EM reflector. In one embodiment, and best seen with reference to FIG. 16, the second portion 300 has an overall height H2, and each of the first vertical recess 306.1 and the second vertical recess 306.2 has a corresponding floor 308 at a depth d2 where d2 < H2. The corresponding floors 308 each have apertures 310.1, 310.2 that mimic a corresponding one of the first elongated slotted aperture 254.1 and the second elongated slotted aperture 254.2 of the first portion 200.

[0057] In one embodiment, the first DRA 312.1 is disposed in the first vertical recess 306.1 and the second DRA 312.2 is disposed in the second vertical recess 306.2. In one embodiment, the first dielectric beam shaper 380.1 is disposed in the first vertical recess 306.1 and the second dielectric beam shaper 380.2 is disposed in the second vertical recess 306.2. In one embodiment, and as depicted in Figures 22A and 22B, the waveguide signal feed 260' is disposed at the first signal input port 402.

[0058] 25A-27, FIGS. 25A and 25B depict front and rotated perspective isometric views of an EM device 100 having a single waveguide 400 similar to that of FIGS. 19A-19C, but with a dielectric loading material 550 disposed within the waveguide 400, and FIGS. 26 and 27 depict relevant performance characteristics of the EM device 100 of FIGS. 25A and 25B. In one embodiment of the EM device 100, the waveguide 400 or the waveguide 420 is at least partially loaded with a dielectric medium (dielectric loading) 550. In one embodiment, the dielectric loading material 550 has an average dielectric constant greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 15.

[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 28A - 28C in combination with FIGS. 25A and 25B, FIGS. 12A and 12B, and FIGS. 8A and 8B, the EM device 100 includes a first portion 200 having an EM waveguide 400 with an overall internal height H, the waveguide 400 having a ridge protrusion 216 provided centrally and extending from the conductive floor 472 of the waveguide 400 towards the conductive ceiling 476 of the waveguide 400 and having a height h where h < H (see, for example, FIGS. 8A and 8B, and FIGS. 12A and 12B). The EM device 100 further includes a second portion 300 provided on and electrically connected to the first portion 200, the second portion 300 having a recess 306 surrounded by a conductive material (the surface of the recess) electrically connected to the first portion 200, the recess 306 being configured to receive a dielectric resonator antenna 312, the waveguide 400 having first EM paths 410, 411 on respective sides of the ridge protrusion 216 and a second EM path 412 above the ridge protrusion 216, and the first EM paths 410, 411 being at least partially loaded with a dielectric loading material 550. As a general comparison, the EM device 100 of FIGS. 28A - 28C is similar to that of FIGS. 8A and 8B with respect to the placement of the recess 306, but the waveguide 400 has a dielectric loading 550 and is referred to herein as a dielectric loaded waveguide. The performance characteristics of the dielectric loaded waveguide of FIGS. 28A - 28C are also depicted in FIG. 28C.

[0060] In view of all of the above, it is recognized that various aspects of embodiments are disclosed herein that are in accordance with at least the following aspects, and / or combinations of aspects, but are not limited thereto.

[0061] Aspect 1: An electromagnetic (EM) device comprising a first part including a first mating surface and a second part including a second mating surface configured to be provided on the first mating surface of the first part, wherein the first part has an overall height H1 and the first part includes an open-top structure having an upper surface profile with one or more vertical cavities containing air and having a depth d1 where d1 < H1, the one or more vertical cavities each having a corresponding sidewall, an outer exposed surface of the one or more vertical cavities having a corresponding sidewall including a conductor, a corresponding cavity of the one or more vertical cavities having a corresponding sidewall forming a lower portion of an air waveguide (AWG), the second part having an overall height H2 and the second part including a lower surface profile configured to be fitted to the upper surface profile of the first part, an upper surface profile having one or more vertical recesses having a corresponding floor surface at a depth d2 where d2 < H2, each floor surface of the one or more vertical recesses including a bottom opening, and each of the one or more vertical recesses being at least partially filled with a dielectric medium having a relative permittivity greater than the relative permittivity of air covering the corresponding bottom opening, a portion of the lower surface profile proximate to each bottom opening including a conductor and forming an upper portion of the AWG.

[0062] Aspect 2: The EM device according to Aspect 1, wherein each dielectric medium is provided on an adhesive, and a corresponding dielectric medium, adhesive, or a combination of the dielectric medium and the adhesive is provided on each corresponding floor surface of each of the one or more vertical recesses and on each bottom opening of each corresponding floor surface.

[0063] Aspect 3: The EM device according to Aspect 1 or 2, wherein one or more of the first part and the second part includes a metallized plastic. Aspect 4: The EM device according to Aspect 1 or 2, wherein one or more of the first part and the second part includes a composite material comprising a plurality of parts attached to each other.

[0064] Aspect 5: An EM device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein one of the one or more vertical recesses includes a wall surrounding each of the dielectric media provided therein.

[0065] Aspect 6: An EM device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the surface of one or more vertical recesses including the corresponding surrounding wall and the corresponding floor surface is an EM device including a conductor. Aspect 7: An EM device according to Aspect 6, wherein each surrounding wall having a conductor of each vertical recess forms a conductive electromagnetic (EM) reflector that substantially surrounds the dielectric medium provided in the corresponding vertical recess.

[0066] Aspect 8: An EM device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, wherein the second part is attached to the first part at the first mating surface and the second mating surface. Aspect 9: An EM device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8, wherein the first part further includes an engagement feature at the top surface of the side wall of the corresponding cavity among the one or more vertical cavities, and the second part further includes a complementary engagement element configured to engage with the corresponding engagement feature of the first part at the lower surface of the second part close to the engagement feature of the first part.

[0067] Aspect 10: An EM device according to Aspect 9, wherein the engagement feature of the first part includes an engagement recess, and the complementary engagement element of the second part includes an engagement protrusion configured to engage precisely with the engagement recess of the first part.

[0068] Aspect 11: An EM device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10, wherein the first part is a ridge protrusion having a height h1 with h1 < d1 provided inside each of the one or more vertical cavities, and the ridge protrusion further includes a conductive surface.

[0069] Aspect 12. An EM device as described in aspect 11, wherein each ridge protrusion is provided on each floor surface of one or more vertical recesses in the second portion, in an opposite relationship to a corresponding one of the bottom openings.

[0070] Embodiment 13. The EM device of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein each of the dielectric media is integrally connected to another adjacent one of the dielectric media by a relatively thin connecting structure to form a monolithic dielectric media structure.

[0071] Embodiment 14 The EM device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein a bottom opening in each floor of each of the one or more vertical recesses respectively forms an electromagnetic (EM) signal feed aperture.

[0072] Embodiment 15 The EM device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the second portion is formed entirely of metal. Embodiment 16. The EM device of any one of embodiments 1-14, wherein the second portion is formed from a metal-coated dielectric material.

[0073] Example 17. The EM device of any one of Examples 1-14, wherein the second portion is formed from a metallized or 3D printed dielectric material. Aspect 18: The EM device of any one of aspects 1 to 17, wherein each of the one or more vertical recesses has a tapered sidewall that tapers inwardly from the top to the bottom, and An EM device in which the dielectric medium has a 3D shape that matches the tapered sidewall of a corresponding one of the one or more vertical recesses.

[0074] Embodiment 19 The EM device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the dielectric media each have a 3D shape in the form of a trapezoidal prism. Aspect 20 The EM device according to any one of aspects 10 to 19, wherein each of the dielectric media has a relative dielectric constant of 2 or more and 15 or less.

[0075] Aspect 21: An electromagnetic (EM) device comprising: a first portion including an EM signal feed; and a second portion disposed on the first portion, the second portion including a shaped metallized form having one or more shaped metallized cavities, and the second portion further including a dielectric medium disposed within each of the one or more shaped metallized cavities, such that each one of the dielectric media has a 3D shape that matches the shape of a corresponding one of the one or more shaped metallized cavities.

[0076] Aspect 22 An EM device as described in aspect 21, wherein the EM signal feed of the first portion includes an EM waveguide, each of the one or more shaped metallized cavities of the second portion includes a bottom opening, and the top surface of the first portion further includes a conductive surface including one or more apertures arranged in a one-to-one corresponding relationship with each of the bottom openings of the second portion.

[0077] Example 23. The EM device of example 22, wherein the EM signal feed of the first portion includes a substrate integrated waveguide (SIW). Example 24: The EM device of example 21, wherein the second portion further includes an EM feed structure provided in signal communication with each of the one or more molded metallized cavities, and the first portion includes an EM signal feed input provided in signal communication with the EM feed structure of the second portion.

[0078] Example 25. The EM device of example 24, wherein the EM feed structure of the second portion comprises air or a dielectric material other than air. Example 26. The EM device of example 24, wherein the EM signal feed input of the first portion comprises a coaxial cable.

[0079] Aspect 27: An electromagnetic (EM) device comprising: an EM signal feed; an air-waveguide (AWG) in signal communication with the EM signal feed; and one or more dielectrically loaded launchers in signal communication between the EM signal feed and the AWG.

[0080] Example 28. The EM device of example 27, wherein the AWG includes a signal input port in signal communication with the EM signal feed, and the one or more dielectrically loaded launchers are disposed at the signal input port.

[0081] Example 29. The EM device of example 27 or 28, wherein one of the one or more dielectrically loaded launchers each includes a dielectric medium having a relative dielectric constant greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 15.

[0082] Example 30. The EM device of any one of Examples 27-29, wherein the EM signal feed includes a plurality of transmit or receive channels, and each one of the one or more dielectrically loaded launchers is in signal communication with and between the AWG and a corresponding one of the plurality of transmit or receive channels.

[0083] Embodiment 31 The EM device of any one of embodiments 27-30, wherein the EM signal feed comprises an RF chip, a SIW, a microstrip, a stripline, a slotted aperture, or a patch.

[0084] Aspect 32: An electromagnetic (EM) device, comprising: an EM signal feed; an air waveguide (AWG); the air waveguide (AWG) including a plurality of antenna ports; and an EM divider network disposed in signal communication therebetween, the EM divider network providing a power dividing signal path between a corresponding one of the plurality of antenna ports and the EM signal feed; and a plurality of dielectric loading media disposed in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of antenna ports.

[0085]

[0023] Aspect 33 is an electromagnetic (EM) device comprising: an air waveguide (AWG) having a conductive interior surface; a ridge protrusion extending longitudinally within the AWG, the ridge protrusion having a conductive surface within the AWG; a first plurality of wall protrusions extending across at least a portion of a gap between a top surface and a bottom surface of the AWG, the first plurality of wall protrusions being disposed on one side of the ridge protrusion and distributed in a direction parallel to the ridge protrusion, the first plurality of wall protrusions having a conductive surface within the AWG; and a second plurality of wall protrusions extending across at least a portion of a gap between a top surface and a bottom surface of the AWG, the first plurality of wall protrusions being disposed on an opposite side of the ridge protrusion and distributed in a direction parallel to the ridge protrusion, the first plurality of wall protrusions having a conductive surface within the AWG. and a second plurality of wall projections distributed in a direction parallel to the ridge projection, the second plurality of wall projections having a conductive surface within an interior of the AWG, wherein a top surface of the AWG includes a first aperture between the ridge projection and the first plurality of wall projections on a first side of the ridge projection, and a second aperture between the ridge projection and the second plurality of wall projections on a second, opposite side of the ridge projection, the second aperture being longitudinally offset relative to the first aperture along a length of the AWG such that the first aperture and the second aperture are not directly opposite each other on opposite sides of the ridge projection.

[0086] Example 34 The EM device of example 33, wherein the first plurality of wall protrusions includes a first row of wall protrusions extending only partially from a bottom surface of the AWG toward a top surface of the AWG and a second row of wall protrusions extending only partially from the top surface of the AWG toward the bottom surface of the AWG, and the second plurality of wall protrusions includes a third row of wall protrusions extending only partially from the top surface of the AWG toward the bottom surface of the AWG and a fourth row of wall protrusions extending only partially from the bottom surface of the AWG toward the top surface of the AWG.

[0087] Aspect 35: The EM device according to Aspect 34, wherein the first row of the wall protrusions is outside the second row of the wall protrusions with respect to the ridge protrusions, and the fourth row of the wall protrusions is outside the third row of the wall protrusions with respect to the ridge protrusions.

[0088] Aspect 36: The EM device according to any one of Aspects 33 to 35, wherein the ridge protrusions include a dielectric material coated with metal. Aspect 37: The EM device according to any one of Aspects 33 to 36, further including a second portion provided on the first portion, the second portion including a first vertically extending recess centered axially with the first aperture, and a second vertically extending recess centered axially with the second aperture, and the second portion including the first and second vertically extending recesses includes a conductive surface.

[0089] Aspect 38: The EM device according to Aspect 37, wherein the first and second vertically extending recesses having a conductive surface form an EM reflector. Aspect 39: The EM device according to Aspect 37 or 38, wherein the second portion has an overall height H2, and each of one of the first and second vertically extending recesses has a corresponding floor surface at a depth d2 where d2 < H2, and each corresponding floor surface has an aperture that mimics a corresponding one of the first and second apertures of the first portion.

[0090] Aspect 40: The EM device according to any one of Aspects 37 to 39, further including a dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) provided in each of one of the first and second vertically extending recesses of the second portion so as to cover a corresponding one of the first and second apertures of the first portion.

[0091] Aspect 41: An EM device according to any one of Aspects 33 to 40, wherein the AWG further includes a signal input port, and the first portion further includes a signal feed provided to electromagnetically excite the signal input port of the AWG.

[0092] Aspect 42: An EM device according to Aspect 41, wherein the signal feed includes a coaxial cable. Aspect 43: An electromagnetic (EM) device including an air waveguide (AWG) that, when viewed in its axial cross-sectional view, includes an elongated housing including a continuous arrangement consisting of a floor, a first wall, a ceiling, and a second wall, wherein the floor, the first wall, the ceiling, and the second wall each include a conductive material, and the housing includes, between the floor and the ceiling, an AWG having a distance H, and, when viewed in the axial cross-sectional view of the AWG, an elongated ridge provided at the center and extending from the floor, the outer surface of which includes a conductive material and has a height h where h < H, a first signal port provided at a first end of the AWG, a second signal port provided at a second end of the AWG, which is provided at a distance from the first end, a first aperture that continuously extends through the floor and the ridge at the first signal port, and a second aperture that continuously extends through the floor and the ridge at the second signal port.

[0093] Aspect 44: An EM device according to Aspect 43, further including a first EM signal feed provided in a signal communication state with the first signal port. Aspect 45: An EM device according to Aspect 44, wherein the first EM signal feed includes a coaxial signal feed that extends through the first aperture, and the signal line of the coaxial signal feed extends within the AWG between the top of the ridge and the ceiling of the AWG.

[0094] Aspect 46: An EM device according to Aspect 44 or 45, further including a second EM signal feed provided in a signal communication state with the second signal port. Aspect 47 The EM device of aspect 46, wherein the first EM signal feed is a transmit signal feed and the second EM signal feed is a receive signal feed configured to receive an EM signal from the first EM signal feed via the AWG.

[0095] Embodiment 48: The EM apparatus of any one of embodiments 43 to 47, wherein an internal volume of the AWG enclosed by the floor, first wall, ceiling, and second wall of the AWG, and by the outer surface of the ridge, contains air.

[0096] Aspect 49 The EM device of any one of aspects 43-48, wherein the AWG is a first AWG, the ridge is a first ridge, and further comprising another AWG and another ridge for defining a second AWG having a second ridge, the second AWG and the second ridge being disposed parallel to the first AWG and the first ridge, respectively, and a first end of the first AWG is coupled to a first end of the second AWG via a power divider junction, whereby the first signal port is coupled to a first end of the first AWG and a second AWG. and a third signal port provided at a second end of the second AWG, the second signal port being a common signal port for both the first and second AWGs, the second signal port being provided at a second end of the first AWG and a third signal port being provided at a second end of the second AWG, the second end of the second AWG being spaced a distance from the first end of the second AWG, the first and second AWGs being separated by a conductive wall therebetween, the conductive wall extending between and electrically connected to a floor and a ceiling of the first and second AWGs.

[0097]

[0036] Aspect 50. The EM device of aspect 49, wherein the power splitter junction is a 3 dB power splitter junction.

[0036] Aspect 51. The EM device of aspect 49, wherein the first signal port is in signal communication with both the second signal port and the third signal port via the power splitter junction.

[0098] Embodiment 52: The EM device of any one of embodiments 49-51, wherein the second signal port includes a first elongated slotted aperture having a longitudinal extension across a width of the first AWG, and the third signal port includes a second elongated slotted aperture having a longitudinal extension across a width of the second AWG.

[0099] Example 53 The EM device of example 52, further comprising a first dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) disposed at a second signal port on the first elongated slotted aperture, and a second DRA disposed at a third signal port on the second elongated slotted aperture.

[0100] Aspect 54 The EM apparatus of aspect 53, further comprising a first dielectric beam shaper disposed on the first DRA and a second dielectric beam shaper disposed on the second DRA.

[0101] Aspect 55. The EM device of aspect 54, wherein the first dielectric beam shaper completely obscures the first DRA and the second dielectric beam shaper completely obscures the second DRA.

[0102] Aspect 56: An EM device as described in aspect 54 or 55, wherein the first DRA has a total height A1, the first dielectric beam shaper has a total height B1, and B1>A1, the second DRA has a total height A2, the second dielectric beam shaper has a total height B2, and B2>A2.

[0103] Embodiment 57 The EM device of embodiment 56, wherein B1 is greater than or equal to twice A1, and B2 is greater than or equal to twice A2. Aspect 58: An EM apparatus described in any one of aspects 54 to 57, wherein the second DRA has the same shape, size, and composition as the first DRA, and the second dielectric beam shaper has the same shape, size, and composition as the first dielectric beam shaper.

[0104] Aspect 59: An EM device according to any one of Aspects 54 to 58, wherein the first AWG and the second AWG are combined to provide the first portion, and a second portion provided on the first portion, the second portion including a first vertically extending recess axially centered with a first elongated slotted aperture of the first portion, and a second vertically extending recess axially centered with a second elongated slotted aperture of the first portion, and the EM device further including a second portion including the first vertically extending recess and the second vertically extending recess, and the second portion including the first vertically extending recess and the second vertically extending recess having a conductive surface.

[0105] Aspect 60: An EM device according to Aspect 59, wherein the first vertically extending recess and the second vertically extending recess having a conductive surface form an EM reflector. Aspect 61: An EM device according to Aspect 59 or 60, wherein the second portion has an overall height H2, and each of one of the first vertically extending recess and the second vertically extending recess has a corresponding floor surface at a depth d2 where d2 < H2, and the corresponding floor surface has an aperture that mimics a corresponding one of the first elongated slotted aperture and the second elongated slotted aperture of the first portion.

[0106] Aspect 62: An EM device according to any one of Aspects 59 to 61, wherein the first DRA is provided within the first vertically extending recess, and the second DRA is provided within the second vertically extending recess.

[0107] Aspect 63: An EM device according to any one of Aspects 59 to 62, wherein the first dielectric beam shaper is provided within the first vertically extending recess, and the second dielectric beam shaper is provided within the second vertically extending recess.

[0108] Aspect 64: An EM device according to any one of Aspects 49 to 63, further including a coaxial signal feed provided at the power distributor junction. Aspect 65 The EM device of any one of aspects 43-48, wherein the AWG is a first AWG, the ridge is a first ridge, and further comprising another AWG and another ridge for defining a second AWG having a second ridge, the second AWG and the second ridge being parallel to the first AWG and the first ridge, respectively, and a first end of the first AWG communicating with a first end of the second AWG via a power divider junction, whereby the first signal port is a common signal port for both the first AWG and the second AWG. the second signal port being disposed at a mid-distance between the first and second ends of the first AWG and further including a third signal port being disposed at a mid-distance between the first and second ends of the second AWG, the second end of the second AWG being disposed at a distance from the first end of the second AWG, the first and second AWGs being separated by a conductive wall disposed therebetween, the conductive wall extending between and electrically connected to a floor and a ceiling of the first and second AWGs.

[0109] Example 66 The EM device of example 65, wherein the second signal port includes a first elongated slotted aperture having a longitudinal extension across a width of the first AWG, and the third signal port includes a second elongated slotted aperture having a longitudinal extension across a width of the second AWG.

[0110] Example 67 The EM device of Example 66, further comprising a first dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) disposed at a second signal port on the first elongated slotted aperture, and a second DRA disposed at a third signal port on the second elongated slotted aperture.

[0111] Aspect 68 The EM apparatus of aspect 67, further comprising a first dielectric beam shaper disposed on the first DRA and a second dielectric beam shaper disposed on the second DRA.

[0112] Aspect 69 The EM device of aspect 68, wherein the first dielectric beam shaper completely encapsulates the first DRA and the second dielectric beam shaper completely encapsulates the second DRA.

[0113] Aspect 70: An EM device as described in aspect 68 or 69, wherein the first DRA has a total height A1, the first dielectric beam shaper has a total height B1, and B1>A1, the second DRA has a total height A2, the second dielectric beam shaper has a total height B2, and B2>A2.

[0114] Embodiment 71 The EM device of embodiment 70, wherein B1 is greater than or equal to twice A1, and B2 is greater than or equal to twice A2. Aspect 72: An EM apparatus described in any one of aspects 68 to 71, wherein the second DRA has the same shape, size, and composition as the first DRA, and the second dielectric beam shaper has the same shape, size, and composition as the first dielectric beam shaper.

[0115] Aspect 73: The EM device of any one of aspects 68-72, wherein a first AWG and the second AWG combine to provide a first portion thereof, and further comprising a second portion disposed on the first portion, the second portion including a first vertical recess axially centered with the first elongated slotted aperture of the first portion and a second vertical recess axially centered with the second elongated slotted aperture of the first portion, wherein the second portion including the first vertical recess and the second vertical recess includes a conductive surface.

[0116] Aspect 74. The EM device of aspect 73, wherein the first vertical recess and the second vertical recess having a conductive surface form an EM reflector. Aspect 75. An EM device according to Aspect 73 or 74, wherein the second part has an overall height H2, and one of the first vertical recess and the second vertical recess has a corresponding floor surface at a depth d2 where d2 < H2, and each corresponding floor surface has an aperture that mimics a corresponding one of the first elongated slotted apertures and the second elongated slotted apertures of the first part.

[0117] Aspect 76. An EM device according to any one of Aspects 73 to 75, wherein the first DRA is provided within the first vertical recess, and the second DRA is provided within the second vertical recess.

[0118] Aspect 77. An EM device according to any one of Aspects 73 to 76, wherein the first dielectric beam shaper is provided within the first vertical recess, and the second dielectric beam shaper is provided within the second vertical recess.

[0119] Aspect 78. An EM device according to any one of Aspects 65 to 77, further including a signal feed provided at the first signal port. Aspect 79. An EM device according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein the AWG is at least partially loaded with a dielectric loading material.

[0120] Aspect 80. An EM device according to Aspect 79, wherein the dielectric loading material has an average dielectric constant of 2 or more and 15 or less. Aspect 81: An electromagnetic (EM) device comprising a first portion including an EM waveguide having an overall inner height H and including a ridge having a height h, where h < H, extending from the conductive floor of the waveguide towards the conductive ceiling of the waveguide and provided centrally, and a second portion provided on top of the first portion and electrically connected, the second portion including a recess surrounded by a conductive material electrically connected to the first portion and configured to receive a dielectric resonator antenna, the waveguide including a first EM path on each side of the ridge and a second EM path above the ridge, and the first EM path being at least partially loaded with a dielectric loading material.

[0121] Although specific combinations of individual features have been described and illustrated herein, these specific combinations of features are for illustrative purposes only, and any arbitrary combination of any of such individual features can be used in accordance with the embodiments, whether or not such a combination is explicitly illustrated, and it will be understood that this is consistent with the disclosure herein. All such combinations of features disclosed herein are contemplated herein and are considered to be within the scope of the understanding of those skilled in the art when considering the present application as a whole, and are considered to be within the scope of the invention disclosed herein to the extent that they fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims in a manner understood by those skilled in the art.

[0122] Although the invention has been described herein with reference to example embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes can be made and elements thereof substituted with equivalents without departing from the scope of the claims. Many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein as the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out the invention, but the invention is intended to include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims. In the drawings and description, example embodiments have been disclosed and specific terms and / or dimensions may be used, but these are used in a generic, illustrative and / or descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, unless otherwise stated, and the claims are not so limited. When an element such as a layer, film, region, substrate, or other described feature is referred to as being "on" or in "engagement with" another element, it may be directly on or in direct engagement with the other element, or there may be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" or "directly engaged with" another element, there are no intervening elements present. The use of terms such as first, second, etc. does not denote a preference or importance; rather, terms such as first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. The use of terms such as "a", "an", etc. does not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather indicates the presence of one or more of the referenced items. The use of terms such as "top", "bottom", "up", "down", "left", "right", "front", "back", etc. does not denote a limitation of a structure since a structure may be viewed from more than one orientation, but rather indicates a relative structural relationship between one or more of the associated features disclosed herein.The term "comprising," as used herein, does not exclude the inclusion of one or more additional features. Moreover, any background information provided herein is provided for the purpose of identifying information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the invention disclosed herein. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should it be construed, that any such background information constitutes prior art to the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein.

Claims

1. 1. An electromagnetic (EM) device comprising: a first portion having a first mating surface; a second portion including a second mating surface configured to be disposed on the first mating surface of the first portion; The first portion has an overall height H1, and the first portion has: an open-top structure having a top profile with one or more vertical cavities containing air and having a depth d1, where d1<H1; each of the one or more vertical cavities has a corresponding sidewall; an outer exposed surface of the one or more vertical cavities with the corresponding sidewalls comprising an electrical conductor; corresponding ones of the one or more vertical cavities with the corresponding sidewalls form a lower portion of an air waveguide (AWG); The second portion has an overall height H2, and the second portion has a lower surface profile configured to mate with the upper surface profile of the first portion; a top profile having one or more vertical recesses with corresponding floors at a depth d2, where d2<H2; a bottom opening in a floor of each of the one or more vertical recesses; each of the one or more vertical recesses is at least partially filled with a dielectric medium having a dielectric constant greater than the dielectric constant of air overlying the corresponding bottom opening; The portion of the lower surface profile adjacent each bottom opening comprises an electrical conductor, forming an upper portion of the AWG.

2. 2. The EM device of claim 1, wherein each of the dielectric media is provided on an adhesive, and the corresponding dielectric media, adhesive, or combination of dielectric media and adhesive is provided on the corresponding floor of each respective vertical recess and on each bottom opening of each corresponding floor.

3. The EM device of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion comprises metallized plastic.

4. The EM device of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion comprises a composite material made up of multiple portions attached to one another.

5. The EM device of claim 1 or 2, wherein each one of the one or more vertical recesses comprises a wall surrounding a respective one of the dielectric media provided in the recess.

6. The EM device of claim 1 or 2, wherein surfaces of the one or more vertical recesses, including the corresponding surrounding walls and corresponding floors, comprise a conductive material.

7. 7. The EM device of claim 6, wherein the surrounding wall of each respective vertical recess having the conductor therein forms a conductive electromagnetic (EM) reflector that substantially surrounds the dielectric medium disposed within the corresponding vertical recess.

8. The EM device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second portion is attached to the first portion at the first mating surface and the second mating surface.

9. the first portion further comprises a mating engagement feature on a top surface of the sidewall of a corresponding one of the one or more vertical cavities; 3. The EM device of claim 1, wherein the second portion further comprises a complementary interlocking engagement element on a lower surface of the second portion adjacent the interlocking engagement feature of the first portion, the complementary interlocking engagement element being configured to interlock with a corresponding interlocking engagement feature of the first portion.

10. 10. The EM device of claim 9, wherein the mating engagement feature of the first portion comprises an engagement recess, and the complementary mating engagement element of the second portion comprises an engagement protrusion configured to snugly engage the engagement recess of the first portion.

11. The first portion is 3. The EM device of claim 1, further comprising a ridge protrusion having a height h1, where h1<d1, disposed within each of the one or more vertical cavities, the ridge protrusion having a conductive surface.

12. 12. The EM device of claim 11, wherein each respective ridge protrusion is disposed in opposite relationship to a corresponding one of the bottom openings in the floor of each respective one of the one or more vertical recesses in the second portion.

13. 3. The EM device of claim 1, wherein each of the dielectric media is integrally connected to another adjacent one of the dielectric media by a relatively thin connecting structure to form a monolithic dielectric media structure.

14. 3. The EM device of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the bottom openings in the floor of each of the one or more vertical recesses defines an electromagnetic (EM) signal feed aperture.

15. 3. The EM device of claim 1, wherein the second portion is formed entirely of metal.

16. The EM device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second portion is formed from a metallized dielectric material.

17. The EM device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second portion is formed from a metallized or 3D printed dielectric material.

18. each of the one or more vertical recesses has a tapered sidewall that tapers inwardly from its top to its bottom; The EM device of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the dielectric media has a 3D shape that matches the tapered sidewall of a corresponding one of the one or more vertical recesses.

19. The EM device of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the dielectric media has a 3D shape in the form of a trapezoidal prism.

20. The EM device of claim 10 , wherein each of the dielectric media has a relative permittivity greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 15.

21. 1. An electromagnetic (EM) device comprising: a first portion comprising an EM signal feed; a second portion disposed on the first portion, the second portion includes a shaped metallized form having one or more shaped metallized cavities, the second portion further comprising a dielectric medium disposed within each of the one or more shaped metallized cavities, each one of the dielectric media having a 3D shape that matches the shape of a corresponding one of the one or more shaped metallized cavities.

22. the EM signal feed of the first portion includes an EM waveguide; each of the one or more shaped metallized cavities in the second portion includes a bottom opening; 22. The EM device of claim 21, wherein a top surface of the first portion further includes a conductive surface with one or more apertures disposed in a one-to-one corresponding relationship with each bottom opening of the second portion.

23. 23. The EM device of claim 22, wherein the EM signal feed of the first portion comprises a substrate integrated waveguide (SIW).

24. the second portion further comprising an EM feed structure disposed in signal communication with each of the one or more shaped metallized cavities; 22. The EM device of claim 21, wherein the first portion comprises an EM signal feed input disposed in signal communication with the EM feed structure of the second portion.

25. 25. The EM device of claim 24, wherein the EM feed structure of the second portion comprises air or a dielectric material other than air.

26. 25. The EM device of claim 24, wherein the EM signal feed input of the first portion comprises a coaxial cable.

27. 1. An electromagnetic (EM) device comprising: an EM signal feed; an air waveguide (AWG) disposed in signal communication with the EM signal feed; an electromagnetic (EM) device comprising: one or more dielectrically loaded launchers in signal communication with the EM signal feed and the AWG and disposed between the EM signal feed and the AWG;

28. 28. The EM device of claim 27, wherein the AWG comprises a signal input port disposed in signal communication with the EM signal feed, and wherein the one or more dielectrically loaded launchers are disposed at the signal input port.

29. 29. The EM device of claim 27 or 28, wherein each one of the one or more dielectrically loaded launchers includes a dielectric medium having a relative permittivity greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 15.

30. 29. The EM device of claim 27 or 28, wherein the EM signal feed comprises a plurality of transmit or receive channels, and wherein each one of the one or more dielectrically loaded launchers is disposed between the AWG and a corresponding one of the plurality of transmit or receive channels in signal communication with the AWG and a corresponding one of the plurality of transmit or receive channels.

31. 29. The EM device of claim 27 or 28, wherein the EM signal feed comprises an RF tip, SIW, microstrip, stripline, slotted aperture, or patch.

32. 1. An electromagnetic (EM) device comprising: an EM signal feed; an air waveguide (AWG) including a plurality of antenna ports and an EM divider network in signal communication with the plurality of antenna ports and the EM signal feed and disposed between the plurality of antenna ports and the EM signal feed, the EM divider network providing a power dividing signal path between a corresponding one of the plurality of antenna ports and the EM signal feed; An electromagnetic (EM) device comprising: a plurality of dielectric loading media provided in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of antenna ports.

33. 1. An electromagnetic (EM) device comprising: an air waveguide (AWG) having a conductive inner surface; a ridge protrusion extending longitudinally within the AWG, the ridge protrusion having a conductive surface within the AWG; a first plurality of wall protrusions extending across at least a portion of a gap between the top and bottom surfaces of the AWG, the first plurality of wall protrusions being provided on one side of the ridge protrusion and distributed in a direction parallel to the ridge protrusion, the first plurality of wall protrusions having a conductive surface within the AWG; a first portion comprising a second plurality of wall protrusions extending across at least a portion of a gap between the top surface and the bottom surface of the AWG, the second plurality of wall protrusions being disposed on opposite sides of the ridge protrusion and distributed in a direction parallel to the ridge protrusion, the second plurality of wall protrusions having a conductive surface within the AWG; the top surface of the AWG comprises a first aperture disposed between the ridge protrusion and the first plurality of wall protrusions on a first side of the ridge protrusion, and a second aperture disposed between the ridge protrusion and the second plurality of wall protrusions on a second opposite side of the ridge protrusion; an electromagnetic (EM) device, wherein the second aperture is longitudinally offset relative to the first aperture along the length of the AWG, and the first aperture and the second aperture are not directly opposite each other on opposite sides of the ridge protrusion.

34. the first plurality of wall protrusions comprising a first row of wall protrusions extending only partially from the bottom surface of the AWG toward the top surface of the AWG, and a second row of wall protrusions extending only partially from the top surface of the AWG toward the bottom surface of the AWG; 34. The EM device of claim 33, wherein the second plurality of wall protrusions comprises: a third row of wall protrusions extending only partially from the top surface of the AWG toward the bottom surface of the AWG; and a fourth row of wall protrusions extending only partially from the bottom surface of the AWG toward the top surface of the AWG.

35. the first row of wall projections is outwardly positioned relative to the ridge projection from the second row of wall projections; 35. The EM device of claim 34, wherein the fourth row of wall projections is outward relative to the ridge projection from the third row of wall projections.

36. The EM device of any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the ridge protrusion comprises a metallized dielectric material.

37. a second portion disposed on the first portion, the second portion comprising a first vertical recess axially centered with the first aperture and a second vertical recess axially centered with the second aperture; 36. The EM device of any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the second portion comprising the first vertical recess and the second vertical recess comprises a conductive surface.

38. 38. The EM device of claim 37, wherein the first vertical recess and the second vertical recess having the conductive surface form an EM reflector.

39. the second portion has an overall height H2; each of the first vertical recess and the second vertical recess has a floor corresponding to a depth d2, where d2<H2; 38. The EM device of claim 37, wherein each corresponding floor has an aperture that mimics a corresponding one of the first aperture and second aperture of the first portion.

40. 38. The EM device of claim 37, further comprising a dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) disposed in each one of the first vertical recess and the second vertical recess of the second portion so as to cover a respective one of the first aperture and the second aperture of the first portion.

41. the AWG further comprises a signal input port; The EM device of any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the first portion further comprises a signal feed provided for electromagnetically exciting the signal input port of the AWG.

42. 42. The EM device of claim 41, wherein the signal feed comprises a coaxial cable.

43. 1. An electromagnetic (EM) device comprising: an air waveguide (AWG), the AWG comprising: an elongated housing including, when viewed in axial cross section of the AWG, a continuous arrangement of a floor, a first wall, a ceiling, and a second wall, wherein the floor, the first wall, the ceiling, and the second wall each comprise a conductive material, and the housing has a distance H between the floor and the ceiling; When viewed in the axial cross section of the AWG, a centrally located elongated ridge extending from the floor, the ridge having an outer surface comprising a conductive material and a height h, where h<H; a first signal port provided at a first end of the AWG; a second signal port at a second end of the AWG, the second end being spaced apart from the first end; and a first aperture extending contiguously through the floor and the ridge at the first signal port; a second aperture extending contiguously through the floor and the ridge at the second signal port.

44. 44. The EM device of claim 43, further comprising a first EM signal feed provided in signal communication with the first signal port.

45. 45. The EM device of claim 44, wherein the first EM signal feed includes a coaxial signal feed extending through the first aperture, a signal line of the coaxial signal feed extending to the AWG between a top of the ridge and the ceiling of the AWG.

46. 46. ​​The EM device of claim 44 or 45, further comprising a second EM signal feed provided in signal communication with the second signal port.

47. 47. The EM device of claim 46, wherein the first EM signal feed is a transmit signal feed and the second EM signal feed is a receive signal feed configured to receive an EM signal from the first EM signal feed via the AWG.

48. 46. ​​The EM device of any one of claims 43 to 45, wherein an internal volume of the AWG confined by the floor, the first wall, the ceiling, and the second wall of the AWG and by the outer surface of the ridge contains air.

49. the AWG is a first AWG, the ridge is a first ridge, further comprising a separate AWG and a separate ridge to define a second AWG having a second ridge; the second AWG and the second ridge are provided parallel to the first AWG and the first ridge, respectively; the first end of the first AWG is connected to the first end of the second AWG via a power divider junction, and the first signal port is a common signal port for both the first AWG and the second AWG; the second signal port is provided at the second end of the first AWG, and the antenna further comprises a third signal port provided at the second end of the second AWG, the second end of the second AWG being spaced a distance from the first end of the second AWG; 46. ​​The EM device of claim 43, wherein the first AWG and the second AWG are separated by a conductive wall provided between the first AWG and the second AWG, the conductive wall extending between the floors and the ceiling of the first AWG and the second AWG, and electrically connected to the floors and the ceiling of the first AWG and the second AWG.

50. 50. The EM device of claim 49, wherein the power divider junction is a 3 dB power divider junction.

51. 50. The EM device of claim 49, wherein the first signal port is in signal communication with both the second signal port and the third signal port through the power divider junction.

52. the second signal port comprises a first elongated slotted aperture having a longitudinal extension across a width of the first AWG; 50. The EM device of claim 49, wherein the third signal port comprises a second elongated slotted aperture having a longitudinal extension across a width of the second AWG.

53. a first dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) disposed at the second signal port on the first elongated slotted aperture; 53. The EM device of claim 52, further comprising: a second DRA disposed at the third signal port on the second elongated slotted aperture.

54. a first dielectric beam shaper disposed on the first DRA; 54. The EM device of claim 53, further comprising: a second dielectric beam shaper disposed above the second DRA.

55. the first dielectric beam shaper completely obscures the first DRA; 55. The EM device of claim 54, wherein the second dielectric beam shaper completely obscures the second DRA.

56. the first DRA has an overall height A1, the first dielectric beam shaper has an overall height B1, and B1>A1; 55. The EM apparatus of claim 54, wherein the second DRA has an overall height A2 and the second dielectric beam shaper has an overall height B2, where B2 > A2.

57. B1 is more than twice A1, 57. The EM device of claim 56, wherein B2 is greater than or equal to two times A2.

58. the second DRA has the same shape, size, and composition as the first DRA; 55. The EM device of claim 54, wherein the second dielectric beam shaper has the same shape, size, and composition as the first dielectric beam shaper.

59. the first AWG and the second AWG combine to provide a first portion of the EM device; a second portion disposed on the first portion, the second portion comprising a first vertical recess axially centered with the first elongated slotted aperture of the first portion, and a second vertical recess axially centered with the second elongated slotted aperture of the first portion; 55. The EM device of claim 54, wherein the second portion comprising the first vertical recess and the second vertical recess comprises a conductive surface.

60. 60. The EM device of claim 59, wherein the first vertical recess and the second vertical recess having a conductive surface form an EM reflector.

61. the second portion has an overall height H2; each one of the first vertical recess and the second vertical recess has a floor corresponding to a depth d2, where d2<H2; 60. The EM device of claim 59, wherein each corresponding floor has an aperture that replicates a corresponding one of the first elongated slotted aperture and the second elongated slotted aperture of the first portion.

62. 60. The EM device of claim 59, wherein the first DRA is disposed within the first vertical recess and the second DRA is disposed within the second vertical recess.

63. 60. The EM device of claim 59, wherein the first dielectric beam shaper is disposed within the first vertical recess and the second dielectric beam shaper is disposed in the second vertical recess.

64. 50. The EM device of claim 49, further comprising a coaxial signal feed at the power divider junction.

65. the AWG is a first AWG, the ridge is a first ridge, further comprising a separate AWG and a separate ridge to define a second AWG having a second ridge; the second AWG and the second ridge are provided parallel to the first AWG and the first ridge, respectively; the first end of the first AWG is connected to the first end of the second AWG via a power divider junction, and the first signal port is a common signal port for both the first AWG and the second AWG; the second signal port is provided at an intermediate distance between the first end and the second end of the first AWG, and further includes a third signal port provided at an intermediate distance between the first end and the second end of the second AWG, the second end of the second AWG being provided at a distance from the first end of the second AWG; 46. ​​The EM device of claim 43, wherein the first AWG and the second AWG are separated by a conductive wall provided between the first AWG and the second AWG, the conductive wall extending between the floors and the ceiling of the first AWG and the second AWG, and electrically connected to the floors and the ceiling of the first AWG and the second AWG.

66. the second signal port comprises a first elongated slotted aperture having a longitudinal extension across a width of the first AWG; 66. The EM device of claim 65, wherein the third signal port comprises a second elongated slotted aperture having a longitudinal extension across a width of the second AWG.

67. a first dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) disposed at the second signal port on the first elongated slotted aperture; 67. The EM device of claim 66, further comprising: a second DRA disposed at the third signal port on the second elongated slotted aperture.

68. a first dielectric beam shaper disposed on the first DRA; 68. The EM device of claim 67, further comprising: a second dielectric beam shaper disposed above the second DRA.

69. the first dielectric beam shaper completely encapsulates the first DRA; 69. The EM device of claim 68, wherein the second dielectric beam shaper completely encapsulates the second DRA.

70. the first DRA has an overall height A1, the first dielectric beam shaper has an overall height B1, and B1>A1; 69. The EM apparatus of claim 68, wherein the second DRA has an overall height A2 and the second dielectric beam shaper has an overall height B2, where B2 > A2.

71. B1 is more than twice A1, 71. The EM device of claim 70, wherein B2 is greater than or equal to two times A2.

72. the second DRA has the same shape, size, and composition as the first DRA; 69. The EM device of claim 68, wherein the second dielectric beam shaper has the same shape, size, and composition as the first dielectric beam shaper.

73. the first AWG and the second AWG combine to provide a first portion of the EM device; a second portion disposed on the first portion, the second portion comprising a first vertical recess axially centered with the first elongated slotted aperture of the first portion, and a second vertical recess axially centered with the second elongated slotted aperture of the first portion; 69. The EM device of claim 68, wherein the second portion comprising the first vertical recess and the second vertical recess comprises a conductive surface.

74. 74. The EM device of claim 73, wherein the first vertical recess and the second vertical recess having a conductive surface form an EM reflector.

75. the second portion has an overall height H2; each one of the first vertical recess and the second vertical recess has a floor corresponding to a depth d2, where d2<H2; 74. The EM device of claim 73, wherein each corresponding floor has an aperture that replicates a corresponding one of the first elongated slotted aperture and the second elongated slotted aperture of the first portion.

76. 74. The EM device of claim 73, wherein the first DRA is disposed within the first vertical recess and the second DRA is disposed within the second vertical recess.

77. 74. The EM device of claim 73, wherein the first dielectric beam shaper is disposed within the first vertical recess and the second dielectric beam shaper is disposed in the second vertical recess.

78. 66. The EM device of claim 65, further comprising a signal feed provided to the first signal port.

79. 46. ​​The EM device of any one of claims 1, 2, 21-28, 32-35, 43-45, wherein the AWG is at least partially loaded with a dielectric loading material.

80. 80. The EM device of claim 79, wherein the dielectric loading material has an average dielectric constant greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 15.

81. 1. An electromagnetic (EM) device comprising: a first portion of an EM waveguide having an overall internal height H, the waveguide comprising a centrally located ridge having a height h, where h<H, extending from a conductive floor of the waveguide toward a conductive ceiling of the waveguide; a second portion disposed on the first portion and electrically connected to the first portion, the second portion comprising a recess surrounded by a conductive material electrically connected to the first portion, the recess configured to receive a dielectric resonator antenna; 1. An electromagnetic (EM) device, wherein the waveguide includes a first EM path on each side of the ridge and a second EM path above the ridge, the first EM path being at least partially loaded with a dielectric loading material.

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