Wideband antenna feed chain device

Abstract

An antenna feed chain is provided that includes a central radiating element for transmitting or receiving signals in a first RF band and a plurality of peripheral radiating elements disposed about the central horn for transmitting and / or receiving signals in at least a second RF band, and also includes a cup disposed about the plurality of peripheral radiating elements for improving directivity of transmission and / or reception in the second RF band.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to antennas, and more particularly to devices for broadband antenna feed chains. [Background technology]

[0002] Antenna systems can be used to transmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals. Some antenna designs can transmit or receive RF signals over various bands.

[0003] Various designs are currently being implemented to enable a single antenna system to transmit various bands across a wide portion of the RF spectrum. Current solutions are complex, have limited performance, offer only a relatively narrow range of transmit and receive bands, or may not provide sufficient wideband performance while co-locating transmit and receive for the supported RF bands, which can impact the viability of antenna steering applications. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an improved antenna feed chain that overcomes at least some of the shortcomings of existing solutions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An antenna feed chain is provided, the feed chain including a central radiating element for transmitting or receiving signals in a first RF band and a plurality of peripheral radiating elements disposed about the central radiating element for transmitting and / or receiving signals in a second RF band, and a cup disposed about the plurality of peripheral radiating elements for improving directivity of transmission and / or reception in the second RF band.

[0006] According to some embodiments, the plurality of peripheral radiating components are arranged symmetrically around the central radiating component.

[0007] According to some embodiments, the central radiating component has a substantially cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the central radiating component has a rectangular or square shape. In some embodiments, the central radiating component has a hexagonal shape.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the peripheral radiating components each have a substantially cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the peripheral radiating components each have a rectangular or square shape. In some embodiments, the peripheral radiating components each have a hexagonal shape.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the cup has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the central radiating component is a horn or a helix, and the peripheral radiating components are also horns or helices.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the central radiating component is configured to transmit in one RF band and receive in another non-overlapping RF band, According to some embodiments, the central radiating component is configured to transmit Q-band signals and receive Ka-band and V-band signals.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the peripheral radiating component is configured to transmit a Ka-band signal.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the feed chain comprises six peripheral radiating components.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the feed chain further comprises a second plurality of peripheral radiating components disposed around the cup for transmitting and / or receiving signals in the second RF band, and a second cup disposed around the second plurality of peripheral radiating components for improving the directionality of transmission or reception in the second RF band.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the cup comprises a spline-like profile for shaping the directivity of an RF signal transmitted or received by the feed chain.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the cup comprises a stepped profile for shaping the directivity of an RF signal transmitted or received by the feed chain.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the central radiating element comprises a spline-like profile for shaping the directivity of an RF signal transmitted or received by the feed chain.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the central radiating element comprises a stepped profile for shaping the directivity of an RF signal transmitted or received by the feed chain.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the peripheral radiating components comprise a stepped profile for shaping the directivity of RF signals transmitted or received by the feed chain.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the peripheral radiating components comprise a spline-like profile for shaping the directivity of RF signals transmitted or received by the feed chain.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the peripheral radiating component and the central radiating component are arranged such that a free end of the peripheral radiating component is spaced apart from the free ends of adjacent peripheral and central radiating components.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the power supply chain supports a frequency ratio of at least 1.5.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the power supply chain is an additively manufactured power supply chain.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the power supply chain is a single, integral component.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the feed chain is integrated into the steerable antenna system.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the peripheral radiation component is combined with a beamforming network.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the multiple peripheral radiating components are arranged in at least two concentric rings around the central radiating component, and the cup is arranged either (i) around the inner ring such that none of the peripheral radiating components fit within the cup, or (ii) around the outermost ring such that all of the peripheral radiating components fit within the cup.

[0028] According to some embodiments, each ring of the at least two concentric rings is dedicated to transmitting and / or receiving signals in a different non-overlapping RF band.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the plurality of radiating components is a first plurality of radiating components, and the feed chain further comprises a second plurality of radiating components arranged around the first plurality of radiating components, the second plurality of radiating components being configured to transmit and / or receive signals in at least a third RF band that is different from and non-overlapping with the first and second RF bands.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the first and second plurality of radiating components are arranged to form first and second concentric rings, respectively, around a central radiating component.

[0031] Other aspects and features will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of several exemplary embodiments.

[0032] The drawings included herein are intended to illustrate various examples of the articles, methods, and apparatus herein. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an antenna feed chain, according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the antenna feed chain of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the antenna feed chain of FIGS. 1 and 2 coupled to RF chain equipment, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an antenna feed chain according to another embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an antenna feed chain according to another embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the antenna feed chain of FIG. 5A according to one embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an antenna feed chain according to another embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the antenna feed chain of FIG. 6A according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a chart illustrating the Q-band RF pattern of the feed chain of FIGS. 1-3, according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a chart illustrating the Ka receive band RF pattern of the feed chain of FIGS. 1-3 according to one embodiment. [Figure 9]4 is a chart illustrating the Ka transmit band RF pattern of the feed chain of FIGS. 1-3 according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] 4 is a chart illustrating a V-band RF pattern of the feed chain of FIGS. 1-3, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Various devices or processes are described below to provide an example of each claimed embodiment. No embodiment described below limits a claimed embodiment, and any claimed embodiment may cover a process or device different from the one described below. A claimed embodiment is not limited to a device or process having all of the features of any one device or process described below, or to features common to multiple or all of the devices described below.

[0035] One or more systems described herein may be implemented in a computer program running on a programmable computer, each of which includes at least one processor, a data storage system (including volatile and non-volatile memory and / or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device. For example, but not limited to, the programmable computer may be a programmable logic unit, a mainframe computer, a server, a personal computer, a cloud-based program or system, a laptop, a personal digital assistant, a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet device.

[0036] Each program is preferably implemented in a high-level procedural or object-oriented programming language and / or scripting language to communicate with a computer system. However, if necessary, the programs can be implemented in assembly or machine language. In either case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language. Each such computer program is preferably recorded on a storage medium or device readable by a general-purpose or special-purpose programmable computer, and when the storage medium or device is read by a computer, configures and operates the computer to perform the procedures described herein.

[0037] A description of an embodiment in which multiple components are in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. Rather, various optional components are described to illustrate the possibilities for various embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] Additionally, although process steps, method steps, algorithms, etc. may be described (in this disclosure and / or claims) sequentially, such processes, methods, and algorithms may be configured to operate in alternative orders. In other words, any order or sequence of steps that may be described does not necessarily indicate that the steps must be performed in that order. Steps of processes described herein may be performed in any order practical. Additionally, some steps may be performed simultaneously.

[0039] Where a single device or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that two or more devices / articles (whether or not they cooperate) can be used in place of the single device / article. Similarly, where two or more devices or articles (whether or not they cooperate) are described herein, it will be readily apparent that a single device / article can be used in place of the two or more devices or articles.

[0040] The following relates generally to antennas, and more particularly to systems, methods, and devices for wideband antenna feed chains. The antenna systems described herein are particularly configured for use in space environments, but may be applied to any antenna application.

[0041] Although this disclosure refers to a "horn" (e.g., a "central horn," a "peripheral horn"), it should be understood that a horn or horn antenna represents one possible embodiment of a radiating component or radiating element, and that any suitable radiating component may be used. Thus, references to a "horn" may be understood to mean a radiating component, with a horn and a helix being two exemplary embodiments of a radiating component.

[0042] The antenna system components described herein comprise a feed chain configured to transmit and / or receive an ultra-wideband RF band. For example, in one embodiment, the feed chain can transmit and / or receive an ultra-wideband RF band including four bands (Ka-Tx, Ka-Rx, Q, and V) over a frequency range from 17.3 GHz to 52.4 GHz. In other embodiments, any number of other frequencies may be supported by the feed chain. In some embodiments, in addition to the frequencies listed above, frequencies in the Ku band may be supported by the feed chain described herein.

[0043] The feed chain includes a cylindrical central horn and six surrounding cylindrical peripheral horns, with the peripheral horns symmetrically and equally spaced around the central horn. The feed chain further includes a cup disposed around the peripheral horns to improve the directivity of the feed chain. In one embodiment, the central horn is configured to transmit Q-band and receive Ka-band and V-band signals, and the peripheral horns are configured to transmit Ka-band signals. In some embodiments, the central horn may be configured to transmit and / or receive a first band, and the peripheral horns may be configured to transmit and / or receive a second band. According to some embodiments, the peripheral horns may be configured to transmit and / or receive lower frequencies than the central horn to achieve sufficient RF performance.

[0044] The feed chains described herein are configured specifically for use with steerable antennas. Co-locating all RF band components is advantageous in steerable antenna applications because it reduces the complexity of the antenna steering process and / or mechanism, potentially improving performance and / or reliability. Furthermore, co-locating may allow a single user and / or gateway to simultaneously utilize all bands at a particular location. Such a configuration may allow the use of a single antenna, rather than the need for multiple antennas. In other examples, the feed chains described herein may be applied to non-steerable antenna systems.

[0045] As used herein, the term "feed chain configuration" refers to the range of possible feed chain specifications when the design variables described herein are varied. For example, feed chain configurations may include the overall size, the number and location of peripheral horns, the RF bands supported by the central and peripheral horns, the size and shape of the peripheral and central horns, the inner and / or outer profiles of the cup, central and peripheral horns, the length or overlap of the cups, the feed chain material, and other variables described herein or otherwise.

[0046] The term "horn" as used herein refers to a horn antenna comprising a flared waveguide configured to direct radio waves in a beam. Horns described herein may be constructed from metal, other conductive materials, or any other material capable of supporting the transmission of RF signals. The horn may be coupled to other electrical devices via electrical connections. The horn may be a smooth-wall horn, splined horn, corrugated horn, or other type of horn not enumerated herein, with a circular, hexagonal, square, rectangular, or other cross-section not enumerated herein.

[0047] 1 and 2, which respectively illustrate a perspective view and a perspective cross-sectional view of an antenna feed chain 100 according to one embodiment. The feed chain 100 comprises a quad-band feed chain configured to transmit and receive RF signals in the Ka, Q, and V bands over a frequency range from 17.3 GHz to 52.4 GHz, with a frequency ratio of 3. In other embodiments, other RF bands and frequency ranges may be supported by the feed chains described herein. In other embodiments, other frequency ratios may apply. For example, if the feed chain 100 is configured to operate at a lower frequency (e.g., some horns, such as peripheral horns) than those enumerated herein, the frequency ratio may be higher. The feed chain 100 comprises a cup 102, a central horn 106, and peripheral horns 108a-108f. The peripheral horns 108a-108f are collectively referred to as peripheral horns 108 and are generally referred to as peripheral horns 108.

[0048] In some examples, power supply chain 100 may be a single, unitary component. In such examples, power supply chain 100 may be specifically configured to be additively manufactured. In other examples, power supply chain 100 may comprise an assembly of multiple components.

[0049] The central horn 106 comprises RF components configured to transmit and / or receive a first band of RF signals. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the central horn 106 is configured to receive signals in the Ka-Rx and V bands and to transmit Q-band signals. The central horn 106 comprises a generally cylindrical RF component located at the center of the feed chain 100. The dimensions of the central horn 106 can vary based on the configuration of the feed chain 100, such as the transmit and receive bands, the size of the peripheral horns 108, the number of peripheral horns 108, the profile of the peripheral horns 108, the placement of the peripheral horns 108, the size and profile of the cup 102, and other system parameters.

[0050] 2, the inner surface 110 of the central horn 106 includes a splined interior profile. This splined interior surface 110 profile may improve the beam shape associated with the central horn 106. In other embodiments, other inner surface 110 profiles may be present, including, but not limited to, straight-walled, sloped, stepped, curved, or any combination thereof, depending on the configuration of the feed chain.

[0051] In some examples, the interior profile of the central horn 106 may include corrugated portions, such as a corrugated horn. In such examples, the corrugations may be vertical or axial.

[0052] Although the central horn 106 is shown as comprising a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section, in other embodiments, other geometries may be applied to the central horn 106. For example, a hexagonal, rectangular (e.g., square), elliptical, or any other functional geometry may be applied to the central horn 106. In some embodiments, the central horn 106 may comprise a PCB patch element.

[0053] The peripheral horn 108 comprises a generally cylindrical RF component and is configured to receive an input RF signal and transmit it from the feed chain 100, or to receive an RF signal and transmit it through the feed chain 100 for further processing.

[0054] Surrounding the central horn 106 are six peripheral horns 108. Each peripheral horn 108 is equally spaced around the central horn 106, providing symmetry about the central horn 106. This symmetrical arrangement promotes RF performance, as an asymmetrical arrangement can affect the frequency pattern of the central horn 106 in some embodiments. Therefore, while an asymmetrical arrangement may be used, a symmetrical arrangement may be preferred.

[0055] 1-2, each peripheral horn 108 is spaced slightly from the central horn 106 so that the edges of each peripheral horn 108 do not contact the edges of the central horn 106 or the adjacent peripheral horn 108. Such spacing may result in better RF performance.

[0056] In other embodiments, each peripheral horn 108 may be in contact with each adjacent peripheral horn and / or central horn 106. In some embodiments, the walls of each peripheral horn 108 and / or central horn 106 may be constructed of a single, unitary component. In such embodiments, adjacent horns may share a common side wall or edge.

[0057] In other embodiments, there may be other numbers of peripheral horns 108. For example, other embodiments may include three to nine peripheral horns 108 arranged around the central horn 106. In this embodiment, the feed chain 100 requires at least three peripheral horns 108 to achieve adequate RF performance.

[0058] In general, larger spacing between the peripheral horns 108 may degrade RF performance in the bands transmitted and / or received by the peripheral horns 108. However, for a fixed number and diameter of the peripheral horns 108, moving the peripheral horns 108 closer together may require the central horn 106 to be smaller, which may degrade the RF performance of the central horn 106. Therefore, in some embodiments, depending on the feed chain configuration and use case requirements, an optimal set of parameters may be determined to balance the performance of the central horn 106 and the peripheral horns 108.

[0059] In some examples, there may be multiple rows of peripheral horns 108. For example, in the embodiment of Figures 1-2, the peripheral horns 108 are arranged in a generally circular pattern around the central horn 106. A second concentric row of peripheral horns 108 may be arranged around the first row of peripheral horns 108 in the embodiment of Figures 1-2. Such an arrangement may improve RF performance in the bands associated with the peripheral horns 108, depending on the desired band range of the feed chain.

[0060] In some examples, the second row of peripheral horns 108 may enable the peripheral horns 108 to transmit and / or receive one or more additional RF bands. For example, the second row of peripheral horns 108 may be configured to transmit signals in a first band (e.g., the C band), and the first row of peripheral horns 108 may be configured to transmit signals in a second band (e.g., the Ka band). In some examples, the second row may be configured to transmit a band of frequencies lower than the frequencies the first row is configured to transmit. In some examples, the first row of peripheral horns 108 and the second row of peripheral horns 108 may have different configurations, such as diameters or cross-sectional shapes, to support different RF bands.

[0061] In some examples, there may be a second cup between the first row of peripheral horns 108 and the second row of peripheral horns 108.

[0062] In some examples, multiple rows of peripheral horns 108 may be present with no cups or without additional cups.

[0063] The signals transmitted or received by each peripheral horn 108 may be combined into a single signal using a beamforming network connected to the peripheral horns 108. This beamforming network may comprise a digital beamforming network or an analog beamforming network.

[0064] In some embodiments, the inner wall 112 of the peripheral horn 108 may have a stepped profile, as shown in Figure 2. Such a profile may provide higher RF performance by improving the beam shape produced by the peripheral horn 108. In other embodiments, the inner wall 112 of the peripheral horn may have a different profile, such as straight, tapered, splined, curved, or any other profile, depending on the configuration of the feed chain 100.

[0065] Although the peripheral horns 108 are shown as comprising a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section, in other embodiments, other shapes may be applied to the peripheral horns 108, for example, a hexagonal, rectangular (e.g., square), elliptical, or any other functional shape may be applied to the peripheral horns 108. In some embodiments, each peripheral horn 108 may comprise a PCB patch element.

[0066] The cup 102 comprises RF components that surround the peripheral horn 108. The presence of the cup 102 improves the directivity of the peripheral horn 108. In some cases, the cup 102 may improve the performance of the peripheral array. In particular, having a common launcher may significantly improve the pattern (compared to embodiments without a cup) with respect to energy on the side lobes and main lobe. The cup 102 comprises a generally cylindrical structure.

[0067] 2, the cylindrical walls of the cup 102 may extend beyond the free ends of the central horn 106 and the peripheral horn 108. By extending beyond the free ends of the central horn 106 and the peripheral horn 108, RF performance in the band transmitted and / or received by the peripheral horn 108 is improved.

[0068] In some embodiments, the inner wall 114 of the cup 102 may have a stepped profile, as shown in Figure 2. Such a profile may provide higher RF performance by improving the beam shape produced by the peripheral horn 108. In other embodiments, the inner wall 114 of the cup 102 may have a different profile, such as straight, angled, splined, curved, or any other profile, depending on the configuration of the feed chain 100.

[0069] The particular geometry of the feed chain 100 allows the feed chain 100 to advantageously transmit or receive RF signals over a wide frequency range using a single feed chain and maintain sufficiently high RF performance over this wide frequency range. Furthermore, this wideband RF transmission and reception is co-located such that transmission and reception are from or directed to the same point (the feed chain 100). This advantageously simplifies and improves antenna steering in antenna applications where antenna steering and wideband transmission and reception are required.

[0070] The presence and placement of peripheral horns 108 around central horn 106, as well as the dimensions, geometric proportions, and magnitude of feed chain 100, enable this high performance wideband RF transmission and reception.

[0071] 3, a perspective view of the feed chain 100 coupled to additional RF chain equipment 120 is shown. The RF chain equipment 120 includes RF equipment used to supply signals to the feed chain 100 for RF transmission and to receive RF signals collected by the feed chain 100. The RF chain equipment 120 may include components such as septum polarizers, circular polarizers (left-handed and right-handed configurations), filters, and any other components necessary for functional RF transmission.

[0072] The RF chain equipment 120 interfaces with the central horn 106 and the peripheral horns 108 to transmit and receive RF signals. The RF chain equipment 120 may include a beamforming network for application to the peripheral horns 108, as described herein. The beamforming network may include an analog beamforming network or a digital beamforming network. The beamforming network may include multiple beamforming networks.

[0073] 4, a perspective view of a feed chain 200 is shown according to one embodiment. The feed chain 200 is similar to the feed chain 100, with the reference numerals increased by 100. The above description of the feed chain 100 equally applies to the feed chain 200. The feed chain 200 includes a cup 202, peripheral horns 208, and a central horn 206.

[0074] Feed chain 200 differs from feed chain 100 in that cup 202 includes a splined profile on inner wall 214. This splined profile allows for shaping the directivity of the RF pattern produced by feed chain 200. Additionally, cup 202 extends further beyond the free ends of central horn 206 and peripheral horn 208 than cup 102 of feed chain 100, further improving the directivity of feed chain 200.

[0075] Feed chain 200 may provide improved cross-polarization performance in some or all RF bands compared to alternative embodiments such as feed chain 100.

[0076] In other embodiments, other configurations of the power supply chain 200 or variations of the power supply chain 200 may be applied.

[0077] 5A and 5B, which respectively show a perspective view and a cross-sectional perspective view of a feed chain 300 according to one embodiment. The feed chain 300 is similar to the feed chains 100 and 200, with the reference numerals increased by 100. The above description of the feed chains 100 and 200 equally applies to the feed chain 300. The feed chain 300 includes a cup 302, peripheral horns 308, and a central horn 306.

[0078] Feed chain 300 differs from feed chains 100 and 200 in that it includes eight peripheral horns 308 and one central horn 306. Additionally, the gap between the peripheral horns 308 and the cup 302 is larger compared to the other embodiments.

[0079] In other embodiments, other configurations of the power supply chain 300 or variations of the power supply chain 300 may be applied.

[0080] 6A and 6B, which respectively show a cross-sectional perspective view and a perspective view of a feed chain 400 according to one embodiment. The feed chain 400 is similar to the feed chains 100, 200, and 300, with the reference numerals increased by 100. The above description of the feed chains 100, 200, and 300 equally applies to the feed chain 400. The feed chain 400 includes a cup 402, peripheral horns 408, and a central horn 406.

[0081] Feed chain 400 differs from feed chains 100, 200, and 300 in that it includes three peripheral horns 408 and one central horn 406. Additionally, in contrast to the other embodiments, peripheral horns 408 are much larger than central horn 406.

[0082] In other embodiments, other configurations of the power supply chain 400 or variations of the power supply chain 400 may be applied.

[0083] 7-10, charts 500, 600, 700, and 800 are shown illustrating the RF patterns for the Q-band, Ka-receive band, Ka-transmit band, and V-band, respectively, of the feed chain 100 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3.

[0084] While the above description provides examples of one or more devices, methods, or systems, one skilled in the art will recognize that other devices, methods, or systems may be within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 100 Antenna Feed Chain 102 cups 106 Central Horn 108a~108f Peripheral Horn 110 Inside 112 Inner wall 114 Interior wall 120 RF Chain Equipment 200 Power Supply Chain 202 cups 206 Central Horn 208 Peripheral Horn 214 Interior wall 300 Power Supply Chain 302 cups 306 Central Horn 308 Peripheral Horn 400 Power Supply Chain 402 cups 406 Central Horn 408 Peripheral Horn

Claims

1. a central radiating element for transmitting or receiving signals in a first RF band; a plurality of peripheral radiating components disposed around the central radiating component for transmitting and / or receiving signals in at least a second RF band, the first and second RF bands not overlapping; and a cup disposed around the plurality of peripheral radiating components for improving the directionality of the transmission and / or reception of the second RF band; An antenna feed chain comprising:

2. The feed chain of claim 1 , wherein the central radiating component has a substantially cylindrical shape.

3. 3. A feed chain according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the peripheral radiating components each have a substantially cylindrical shape.

4. 4. The power supply chain of claim 1, wherein the cup has a substantially cylindrical shape.

5. 5. The feed chain of claim 1, wherein the central radiating component is a horn or a helix, and the peripheral radiating components are also horns or helices.

6. 6. A feed chain according to claim 1, wherein the central radiating element is configured to transmit in one RF band and receive in another non-overlapping RF band.

7. 7. The feed chain of claim 1, wherein the peripheral radiating component is configured to transmit a Ka-band signal.

8. 8. A feed chain according to claim 1, wherein the feed chain comprises six peripheral radiating components.

9. The power supply chain a second plurality of peripheral radiating elements disposed about the cup for transmitting and / or receiving signals in the second RF band; a second cup disposed around the second plurality of peripheral radiating components for improving the directionality of the transmission or reception in the second RF band; and 9. The power supply chain of claim 1, further comprising:

10. 2. The feed chain of claim 1, wherein the plurality of peripheral radiating components are arranged in at least two concentric rings around the central radiating component, and the cup is arranged either (i) around an inner ring such that none of the peripheral radiating components fit within the cup, or (ii) around an outermost ring such that all of the peripheral radiating components fit within the cup.

11. 11. The feed chain of claim 10, wherein each ring of the at least two concentric rings is dedicated to transmitting and / or receiving signals in a different non-overlapping RF band.

12. 2. The feed chain of claim 1, wherein the plurality of radiating components is a first plurality of radiating components, and the feed chain further comprises a second plurality of radiating components arranged around the first plurality of radiating components, the second plurality of radiating components configured to transmit and / or receive signals in at least a third RF band different from the first and second RF bands and non-overlapping with the first and second RF bands.

13. 12. The feed chain of claim 11, wherein the first plurality of radiating components and the second plurality of radiating components are arranged to form first and second concentric rings, respectively, around the central radiating component.

14. 14. A feed chain according to any preceding claim, wherein the cup comprises a spline-like profile for shaping the directivity of an RF signal transmitted or received by the feed chain.

15. 14. A feed chain according to any preceding claim, wherein the cup comprises a stepped profile for shaping the directivity of an RF signal transmitted or received by the feed chain.

16. 16. A feed chain according to any preceding claim, wherein the central radiating element comprises a spline-like profile for shaping the directivity of an RF signal transmitted or received by the feed chain.

17. 16. A feed chain according to any preceding claim, wherein the central radiating element comprises a stepped profile for shaping the directivity of an RF signal transmitted or received by the feed chain.

18. 18. A feed chain according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the peripheral radiating components comprise a stepped profile for shaping the directivity of RF signals transmitted or received by the feed chain.

19. 18. A feed chain according to any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral radiating components comprise a spline-like profile for shaping the directivity of RF signals transmitted or received by the feed chain.

20. 20. The feed chain of claim 1, wherein the peripheral radiating components and the central radiating component are arranged such that a free end of the peripheral radiating component is spaced apart from the free ends of adjacent peripheral radiating components and the central radiating component.

21. 21. A power supply chain according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the power supply chain supports a frequency ratio of at least 1.

5.

22. 22. The power supply chain of claim 1, wherein the power supply chain is an additively manufactured power supply chain.

23. 23. A feed chain according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the peripheral radiating components are combined with a beamforming network.

24. 24. A power supply chain according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the power supply chain is a single integral component.

25. 25. The feed chain of claim 1, wherein the feed chain is integrated into a movable antenna system.

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