Antenna array with dual-polarization parallel-plate septum polarizer

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for dual polarized antenna arrays are described. An exemplary antenna array may include a parallel plate polarizer that may include an upper plate and a lower plate. The antenna array may include a stepped septum extending between the plates, each of the stepped septum having a first and second side, the stepped septum including a first and second set of inverted sides with respect to each other. The antenna array may include a first split waveguide associated with a first polarization that may have a first set of opposing walls formed by a first portion of the upper plate and the lower plate, and a second set of opposing walls. The antenna array may include a second split waveguide associated with a second polarization that may have a first set of opposing walls formed by a second portion of the upper plate and the lower plate, and a second set of opposing walls.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 125,375, entitled “Antenna Array with Dual-Polarized Parallel Plate Septum Polarizer,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 125,379, entitled “Digital Antenna Array with Dual-Polarized Parallel Plate Septum Polarizer,” both filed on 14 December 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for any purpose.

[0002] The following concerns antenna arrays, and more specifically, antenna arrays having dual-polarization parallel-plate septum polarizers. [Background technology]

[0003] Antenna array technology, including apertures and waveguides with waveguide-fed networks, is becoming an important communication tool because such antenna arrays exhibit low levels of loss. These antenna arrays represent one of the most suitable technologies for passive arrays due to the low levels of loss they exhibit. Applications requiring considerable bandwidth may use cooperative-type feeding networks to provide equal amplitude and phase to all elements in the array. As the number of antenna elements increases, waveguide-fed networks become increasingly complex, expensive, heavy, and space-consuming. This can be problematic in many environments where space and / or weight are critical (e.g., avionics). In some cases, the distance between elements may be constrained by the size of the feeding network, which can degrade antenna performance. [Overview of the project]

[0004] Methods, systems, and devices for dual-polarization parallel-plate septum polarizers for antenna arrays are described. A dual-polarization parallel-plate septum polarizer can be formed using parallel plates and septum plates arranged in alternating orientations. The septums can generate dual polarization and form divided waveguides for two different types of polarization. These plates can form a linear array that can be stacked together.

[0005] Walls separating the septums from each other are not required. Grids can be tiled and stacked together to form larger arrays. Antenna arrays can be passive or active. For active antenna arrays, circuit cards can be snapped onto the tiles.

[0006] The first set of examples describes a dual-polarization antenna array. In one configuration, the dual-polarization antenna array includes a parallel-plate polarizer. The parallel-plate polarizer may include an upper plate having a first surface and a lower plate parallel to the upper plate and having a second surface opposite to the first surface of the upper plate, the lower plate being parallel to the upper plate. The dual-polarization antenna array may include a plurality of stepped septums extending from the first surface of the upper plate to the second surface of the lower plate, each of the plurality of stepped septums having a first side and a second side, and the plurality of stepped septums include a set of first stepped septums and a set of second stepped septums inverted relative to the set of first stepped septums. A dual-polarization antenna array may include a plurality of first segmented waveguides associated with a first polarization, each of which has a set of first opposing walls formed by a first portion of the first surface of an upper plate and a first portion of the second surface of a lower plate, and a set of second opposing walls formed by a portion of the first side surface of one of the set of first stepped septums and a portion of the first side surface of one of the set of second stepped septums. A dual-polarization antenna array may include a plurality of second segmented waveguides associated with a second polarization, each of which has a set of first opposing walls formed by a second portion of the first surface of an upper plate and a second portion of the second surface of a lower plate, and a set of second opposing walls formed by a portion of the second side surface of one of the set of first stepped septums and a portion of the second side surface of one of the set of second stepped septums.

[0007] Some embodiments of dual-polarization antenna arrays include multiple parallel-plate polarizers, each containing a parallel-plate polarizer, wherein for at least a subset of the multiple parallel-plate polarizers, the upper plate of one pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers and the lower plate of the other pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers are the same plate.

[0008] In some embodiments of dual-polarization antenna arrays, in a dimension parallel to the upper and lower plates of a first parallel-plate polarizer, a plurality of stepped septums in one pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers are aligned with a plurality of stepped septums in the other pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers. In other embodiments, in a dimension parallel to the upper and lower plates of multiple parallel-plate polarizers, a plurality of stepped septums in one pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers are offset from a plurality of stepped septums in the other pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers.

[0009] Some embodiments of the dual-polarization antenna array include multiple antenna feed points within each of the waveguides of a plurality of first divided waveguides and a plurality of second divided waveguides.

[0010] Some embodiments of a dual-polarization antenna array include multiple circuit cards, each of which is coupled to a subset of multiple antenna feed points. In some embodiments, each of the multiple circuit cards includes an electrical beamforming network. In some embodiments of a dual-polarization antenna array, the electrical beamforming network of each of the multiple circuit cards includes multiple beamforming circuits, each beamforming circuit being associated with one or more of the antenna feed points.

[0011] Some embodiments of a dual-polarization antenna array include a plurality of distribution circuits, each of which is coupled to at least a subset of a plurality of circuit cards, providing at least a subset of the plurality of circuit cards with a first signal associated with a first polarization and a second signal associated with a second polarization. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of circuit cards is coupled to a subset of a plurality of antenna feed points located in the waveguides of a plurality of first divided waveguides and a plurality of second divided waveguides of one of a plurality of parallel-plate polarizers. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of circuit cards comprises a plurality of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and a plurality of digital-to-analog converters (DACs), each of the plurality of ADCs and DACs is coupled to one or more of the plurality of antenna feed points.

[0012] Some embodiments of a dual-polarization antenna array include a first waveguide-fed network coupled between a first common port and a plurality of first divided waveguides, and a second waveguide-fed network coupled between a second common port and a plurality of second divided waveguides.

[0013] In some embodiments, a dual-polarization antenna array may include a plurality of parallel assemblies, each of which comprises a stepped septum from each of a plurality of parallel-plate polarizers and at least a portion of a combiner / distributor of a first waveguide-fed network or a second waveguide-fed network.

[0014] In some embodiments, a dual-polarization antenna array may include a plurality of first plates, each comprising upper and lower plates of a plurality of parallel-plate polarizers, with each of the plurality of first plates having a slot along a first edge. The dual-polarization antenna array may also include a plurality of second plates, each of the plurality of second plates comprising a stepped septum from a plurality of rows of the plurality of parallel-plate polarizers, with each of the plurality of second plates being inserted into a slot in the plurality of first plates.

[0015] In some embodiments of dual-polarization antenna arrays, parallel-plate polarizers are constructed using additive manufacturing techniques.

[0016] In some embodiments of the dual-polarization antenna array, the first polarization is a first circular polarization and the second polarization is a second circular polarization. In other embodiments, the first polarization is a first linear polarization and the second polarization is a second linear polarization.

[0017] Some embodiments of dual-polarization antenna arrays include multiple dielectric inserts located at least partially in the transition regions of multiple stepped septums. In some embodiments, the transition region for each of the stepped septums has a length in the axial dimension perpendicular to the plane of the aperture of the dual-polarization antenna array, which is smaller than the wavelength of the carrier frequency of the dual-polarization antenna array.

[0018] In some embodiments of a dual-polarization antenna array, the first divided waveguide of a plurality of first divided waveguides shares the first stepped septum of a plurality of stepped septums with the second divided waveguide of a plurality of second divided waveguides, the second stepped septum of a plurality of stepped septums with the third divided waveguide of a plurality of second divided waveguides, and the first divided waveguide is adjacent to the second divided waveguide and the third divided waveguide.

[0019] In some embodiments of the dual-polarization antenna array, a first set of stepped septums and a second set of stepped septums are interleaved along directions parallel to the upper and lower plates.

[0020] Further scope of applicability of the described methods and apparatus will become apparent from the following detailed description, claims, and drawings. Since various changes and modifications within the scope of the description will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the detailed description and specific examples are given merely as illustrations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a wireless communication system according to various embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a conceptual diagram of a waveguide device for a dual-polarization antenna array according to various embodiments. [Figure 3] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate examples of a single element of a linear array for a dual-polarization antenna array according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate examples of a partial linear array for a dual-polarization antenna array according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate additional examples of a partial linear array for a dual-polarization antenna array according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary stepped septum structure according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate examples of a 32-element linear array for a dual-polarization antenna array according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of two stacked linear arrays in a dual-polarization antenna array according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a portion of a dual-polarization antenna array according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate examples of a dual-polarization antenna array according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an example of a portion of a dual-polarization antenna array that can couple split waveguides of the dual-polarization antenna array according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate examples of a waveguide feeding network between the split waveguide and a common port of a dual-polarization antenna array according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 13]Figure 13 illustrates an example of a front perspective view of a waveguide-fed network for a dual-polarization antenna array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] Figure 14 illustrates another embodiment of a rear perspective view of a waveguide-fed network for a dual-polarization antenna array according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] Figure 15 illustrates an example of an internal side view of a dual-polarization antenna array according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] Figures 16A to 16C illustrate exemplary perspective views of a scanning dual-polarization antenna array according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] Figures 17A and 17B illustrate exemplary perspective views of a scanning dual-polarization antenna array according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] Figure 18 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a scanning dual-polarization antenna array according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for supporting the manufacture of a digital dual-polarization antenna array according to an aspect of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] The dual-polarization antenna arrays described herein may include one or more parallel-plate polarizer linear arrays. Each parallel-plate polarizer linear array may include alternately oriented septums arranged along a first dimension between a lower plate and an upper plate. The septums may include a first set of septums and a second set of septums extending between the upper plate and the lower plate, the second set of septums being 180 degrees inverted with respect to the first set of septums. In some embodiments, each septum may be a dielectric, partially loaded using a dielectric insert. The septum may have a first edge facing either the lower plate or the upper plate, the first edge being longer than a second edge facing the other of the lower plate or the upper plate. For clarity, although referred to as a stepped septum in this description, it should be understood that the septum may have a sloping or curved leading edge without departing from the description.

[0023] A first set of septums can be interleaved with a second set of septums in an alternating manner along the first dimension. This arrangement may be such that, with the exception of the septums at the ends of a linear array, the septums in the first set of septums are between adjacent pairs of septums in the second set of septums, and the septums in the second set are between adjacent pairs of septums in the first set of septums.

[0024] In some embodiments, the parallel-plate polarization linear array may be a direct-radiation array. In other embodiments, the parallel-plate polarization linear array may be used in conjunction with a focusing aperture (e.g., a lens, reflector, close-out, etc.).

[0025] In some embodiments, multiple parallel-plate polarization linear arrays can be stacked along a second dimension (for example, in an alternating or aligned manner) to define a two-dimensional array.

[0026] Each parallel-plate polarizer linear array may include a dual-polarization parallel-plate common waveguide region, which is divided by a septum to form a first divided waveguide associated with a first polarization and a second divided waveguide associated with a second polarization. Each septum may divide a portion of the parallel-plate common waveguide region into a first divided waveguide associated with a first polarization and a second divided waveguide associated with a second polarization. The orientation of the septum determines which divided waveguide is associated with the first and second polarizations. In particular, septums in the first set of septums are configured to generate a first split waveguide arrangement (e.g., a first split waveguide on the left and a second split waveguide on the right), while septums in the second set (e.g., inverted from one of the first set) are configured to generate a second, opposite split waveguide arrangement (e.g., a first split waveguide on the right and a second split waveguide on the left). Thus, due to the alternating orientation of the septums, each septum may "share" its first split waveguide with one of its adjacent, oppositely oriented septums, and may "share" its second split waveguide with another of its adjacent, oppositely oriented septums (excluding the ends of a linear array). As a result, adjacent septums (one from the first set and one from the second set) cooperate as polarizers for each individual divided waveguide.

[0027] Each divided waveguide may correspond to at least one mode in the parallel-plate common waveguide region (associated with the corresponding polarization of the waveguide in the far-field region), and thus the parallel-plate common waveguide region operates in multiple modes. In some embodiments, there may be two or more modes in the common waveguide for broadband implementation. Two dominant modes in the common waveguide may have different field structures, wave velocities, and impedances. Design features described herein may be included to minimize undesirable modes in the common waveguide.

[0028] Embodiments of parallel-plate polarizer linear arrays can also be described as physical 1:N transition devices, where N is greater than 2 (N>2) and N represents the number of individual divided waveguides. Since the common waveguide supports two orthogonal polarizations, the device may have a single physical port that acts as two electrical ports. With proper design of the septum wall (e.g., multiple opposing central plates in the septum transition region), embodiments using circular polarization can have TE in each divided waveguide. 10 The mode can couple approximately half of its power to each of the linear polarization components in the common waveguide.

[0029] In some embodiments, the antenna formed from a parallel-plate polarizer linear array is a passive array and may include a waveguide-fed network of a combiner / distributor. The waveguide network may be coupled between a first divided waveguide of the parallel-plate polarizer linear array and a first common port associated with the first polarization, and between a second divided waveguide of the parallel-plate polarizer linear array and a second common port associated with the second polarization. In other embodiments, the antenna is an active array and may include components such as amplifiers and phase shifters on a printed circuit board coupled to the first and second divided waveguides. The antenna may further include a combiner / distributor board for coupling the printed circuit board to a first common port associated with the first polarization and to a second common port associated with the second polarization.

[0030] Some embodiments of the dual-polarization antenna arrays described herein may be digital. The digital antenna may further include digital beamforming circuits such as digital phase shifters or amplifiers, and may have an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled with feeding elements in the first and second divided waveguides. In embodiments where the antenna is used for transmission, digital signals representing one or more beams may be supplied from a processing unit (e.g., a processor that executes instructions stored in memory) or a digital beamforming circuit to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) coupled with feeding elements in the first and second divided waveguides. The DAC may convert the digital signals into analog signals supplied to an upconverter and an amplifier. The resulting upconverted and amplified signals may then be supplied to the first and second divided waveguides (e.g., via feeding elements) and subsequently transmitted by a stacked parallel-plate polarizer linear array to form a transmission beam. In embodiments where the antenna is used for reception, analog signals from the first and second divided waveguides may be amplified, downconverted, and supplied to the ADC. An ADC can convert an analog signal into a digital signal, which is then provided to a processing unit to form one or more beams using digital beamforming techniques.

[0031] This description provides examples and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of embodiments of the principle described herein. Rather, the following description will provide those skilled in the art with an explanation that will enable them to carry out embodiments of the principle described herein. Various modifications may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements.

[0032] Therefore, various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For example, the method may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Also, the aspects and elements described in relation to a particular embodiment may be combined in various other embodiments. Furthermore, the following systems, methods, devices, and software may be components of a larger system, individually or collectively, and other procedures may take precedence over their applications or modify their applications in other ways.

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described in the context of devices and antenna subsystems. Embodiments of this disclosure are further illustrated and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts relating to dual-polarization antenna arrays.

[0034] Figure 1 shows diagrams of a satellite communication system 100 according to various embodiments. The satellite communication system 100 includes a satellite system 105, a gateway 115, a gateway antenna system 110, and an aircraft 130. The gateway 115 communicates with one or more networks 120. In operation, the satellite communication system 100 provides bidirectional communication between the aircraft 130 and the networks 120 through the satellite system 105 and the gateway 115.

[0035] Satellite system 105 may include one or more satellites. One or more satellites in satellite system 105 may include any preferred type of communications satellite. In some embodiments, some or all of the satellites may be in geostationary Earth orbit. In other embodiments, any suitable orbit (e.g., low Earth orbit (LEO)) may be used for satellite system 105. Some or all of the satellites in satellite system 105 may be multibeam satellites configured to provide service to multiple service beam coverage areas in a given geographical service area.

[0036] The gateway antenna system 110 is capable of bidirectional communication and may be designed with appropriate transmission power and reception sensitivity to reliably communicate with the satellite system 105. The satellite system 105 can communicate with the gateway antenna system 110 by sending and receiving signals through one or more beams 160. The gateway 115 sends and receives signals to and from the satellite system 105 using the gateway antenna system 110. The gateway 115 is connected to one or more networks 120. Network 120 may include a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), or any other suitable public or private network, and may be connected to other communication networks such as the Internet, telephone networks (e.g., public switched telephone network (PSTN)).

[0037] The aircraft 130 includes an airborne communications system comprising a dual-polarization antenna array 140 (also referred to herein as “antenna array 140”). The aircraft 130 can use the antenna array 140 to communicate with the satellite system 105 via one or more beams 150. The antenna array 140 may be mounted on the outside of the aircraft 130's airframe below the radome 145. The antenna array 140 may be mounted on an elevation and azimuth gimbal that directs the antenna array 140 toward (e.g., actively tracks) the satellites of the satellite system 105. The depth of the antenna array 140 may directly affect the size of the radome 145, for which a low profile may be desired. In other embodiments, other types of housings are used with the antenna array 140. The antenna array 140 can operate in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Ku, K, or Ka band, for example, 17.7–21.2 gigahertz (GHz). In some embodiments, the antenna array 140 may have a partial dielectric insert and be used in the entire 3.5 GHz band. Alternatively, the antenna array 140 may operate in other frequency bands such as the C band, X band, S band, L band, etc. In addition, the antenna array 140 may be used in applications other than in the aircraft 130, such as in ships, vehicles, or ground-based stationary systems.

[0038] Figure 2 illustrates conceptual diagrams of waveguide devices 200 for a dual-polarization antenna array according to various embodiments. Waveguide devices 200 may be embodiments of the components of the dual-polarization antenna array 140 in Figure 1. Waveguide devices 200 may be part of an antenna array installed on an aircraft, such as the aircraft 130 in Figure 1, or may be used in conjunction with other devices or systems. In some embodiments, the elements of waveguide devices 200 may be arranged in a rectangular or square antenna array, but the elements or arrays of elements may have other shapes or configurations.

[0039] Figure 2 illustrates the waveguide device 200 as a separate component to discuss the functionality of each section. For example, the waveguide device 200 may illustrate a waveguide propagation path in which electromagnetic waves propagate through and between different waveguide sections, based on the structure of the waveguide device 200. The waveguide device 200 in Figure 2 shows a front view of a row of the waveguide device 200, and for illustrative purposes, no additional structure is shown behind it. The waveguide device 200 may include multiple waveguide combiner / distributor networks associated with different polarizations. Half of the network may correspond to radiation with one polarization (e.g., right-hand circular polarization), and the other half of the network may correspond to radiation with the other polarization (e.g., left-hand circular polarization).

[0040] Waveguide device 200 illustrates a row of parallel plate polarizers 202 for a dual-polarization antenna array, including an upper plate 205 and a lower plate 215. The upper plate 205 includes a first surface 210 facing the lower plate 215. The lower plate 215 includes a second surface 220 facing the upper plate 205. The upper plate 205 may be parallel or nearly parallel to the lower plate 215.

[0041] The waveguide device 200 may include a plurality of stepped septums, including a set of first stepped septums 230-a and a set of second stepped septums 230-b (collectively referred to herein as stepped septums 230). A stepped septum 230 may have a stepped structure on one edge and a flat structure on the opposite edge, as illustrated in at least Figures 3A and 3B. The stepped structure of a stepped septum 230 may be referred to as the leading edge because the stepped structure faces toward the opening of the antenna array, while the flat structure may be referred to as the trailing edge because the flat structure faces away from the opening. A stepped septum 230 extends from a first surface 210 of the upper plate 205 to a second surface 220 of the lower plate 215. Each of the stepped septums 230 includes a first side and a second side. The first set of stepwise septums 230-a is inverted along a certain dimension (e.g., Y-axis 270) relative to the second set of stepwise septums 230-b.

[0042] A divided waveguide is formed between each pair of stepped septums 230. The waveguide device 200 includes a plurality of first divided waveguides 240 associated with a first polarization, each of which has a set of first opposing walls 250 formed by a first portion 251 of a first surface 210 of an upper plate 205 and a first portion 252 of a second surface 220 of a lower plate 215, and a set of second opposing walls 255 formed by a portion of a first side surface 256 of one of the set of first stepped septums 230-a and a portion of a first side surface 257 of one of the set of second stepped septums 230-b. The first sides 256 and 257 may correspond to the same side of the stepped septum with respect to the steps (for example, both the first sides 256 and 257 may be on the left side of the stepped septum when viewed from the front of a septum having a transition region of the septum where the height increases or the steps rise away from the viewer). The first portion of the first surface 210 of the upper plate 205 may be that portion of the first surface 210 that lies between stepped septums forming a particular first divided waveguide among a plurality of first divided waveguides 240. Similarly, the first portion of the second surface 220 of the lower plate 215 may be that portion of the second surface 220 that lies between stepped septums forming a particular first divided waveguide among a plurality of first divided waveguides 240.

[0043] Waveguide device 200 also includes a plurality of second segmented waveguides 245 associated with a second polarization, each of which has a set of first opposing walls 260 formed by a second portion 261 of the first surface 210 of an upper plate 205 and a second portion 262 of the second surface 220 of a lower plate 215, and a set of second opposing walls 265 formed by a portion of a second side surface 266 of one of a set of first stepped septums 230-a and a portion of a second side surface 267 of one of a set of second stepped septums 230-b. The second sides 266 and 267 may correspond to the same side of the septum with respect to the step (for example, both the second sides 266 and 267 may be on the right side of the stepped septum when viewed from the front of a septum having a transition region of the septum where the height increases or the step rises away from the viewer). The first portion of the first surface 210 of the upper plate 205 may be that portion of the first surface 210 that lies between stepped septums forming a particular first divided waveguide among a plurality of first divided waveguides 240. Similarly, the first portion of the second surface 220 of the lower plate 215 may be that portion of the second surface 220 that lies between stepped septums forming a particular first divided waveguide among a plurality of first divided waveguides 240.

[0044] A first set of stepped septums 230-a may be interleaved with a second set of stepped septums 230-b in an alternating manner along a first dimension (e.g., along the "x" axis 280). This arrangement may be such that, except for the stepped septums at the ends of the rows of parallel plate polarizers 202, stepped septums in the first set of stepped septums 230-a may be between pairs of adjacent stepped septums in the second set of stepped septums 230-b, and stepped septums in the second set of stepped septums 230-b may be between pairs of adjacent stepped septums in the first set of stepped septums 230-a. In some embodiments, there may be walls connecting the outer edges of the upper plate 205 and the lower plate 215.

[0045] In some embodiments of the waveguide device 200, a focusing aperture may be coupled to a row of parallel-plate polarizers 202. Embodiments of the focusing aperture may include lenses, reflectors, radiating apertures, radiating elements, and the like. While any focusing aperture may be described herein as radiating electromagnetic radiation, these focusing apertures may also receive electromagnetic radiation. One or more focusing apertures may each be coupled to one of a linear array. The focusing aperture may be, for example, a horn or a waveguide aperture. In embodiments where the focusing aperture is a horn, the horn may be square, circular, or any other shape that allows for the reception and transmission of any desired polarized electromagnetic signal. The focusing aperture may also be filled with a dielectric.

[0046] The waveguide device 200 may have waveguide propagation paths that are generally aligned along the z-axis 275 (e.g., off-page). The first divided waveguide 240 and the second divided waveguide 245 may also be referred to herein as “waveguide ports”.

[0047] The stepped septum 230 can combine and separate polarizations for transmission and reception. While the stepped septum 230 may be described herein as a septum polarizer, the described embodiments may be utilized in other types of polarization duplexers. The conduction surface of the stepped septum 230 may be formed using a conductive material such as metal, or may be metal-plated. The stepped septum 230 may be designed to generate linear or circular polarization. In one embodiment, the stepped septum 230 has a metal stepped design that generates right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) and left-hand circular polarization (LHCP) for radiation.

[0048] In some embodiments, each element of the parallel-plate polarizer 202 may include an element that is asymmetric with respect to one or more modes of signal propagation. For example, the parallel-plate polarizer 202 may include an element that is asymmetric with respect to TE 10 The step-shaped septum 230 may be configured symmetrically with respect to the mode (for example, component signals having electric fields along the Y-axis 270 in each waveguide), while the TE 01Asymmetric with respect to the mode (e.g., a component signal having an electric field along the X-axis 280 at the common port 204). The stepped septum 230 can facilitate the rotation of the TE 01 mode, which can result in the addition and cancellation of the TE 10 mode with the TE 01 mode on the opposing sides of the stepped septum 230. From the perspective of splitting (e.g., a received signal propagating in the negative direction along the Z-axis 275 at the common port 204), for a signal having RHCP on the side of the stepped septum 230 coupled to the first split waveguide 240, the TE 01 mode is combined additively with the TE 10 mode while it can be cancelled on the side of the stepped septum 230 coupled to the second split waveguide 245. Conversely, for a signal having LHCP, the TE 01 mode and the TE 10 mode are combined additively on the side of the stepped septum 230 coupled to the second split waveguide 245 and can cancel each other on the side of the stepped septum 230 coupled to the first split waveguide 240. Thus, the first and second split waveguides 240, 245 can be excited by the orthogonal basis polarizations of the polarization incident on the common port 204 and can be separated from each other. In the transmission mode, the excitation of the first and second split waveguides 240, 245 (e.g., TE 10 mode signals) can result in the corresponding RHCP wave and LHCP wave emitted from the common port 204, respectively.

[0049] By using a polarizer to change the relative phase of component signals transmitted or received through the first and second divided waveguides 240, 245, waves with combined polarization (e.g., linearly polarized signals with a desired polarization tilt angle) can be transmitted or received in each waveguide. For example, two equal-amplitude components of a signal may be suitably phase-shifted and transmitted separately to the first divided waveguide 240 and the second divided waveguide 245, and these equal-amplitude components are converted into RHCP and LHCP waves at their respective phases by the stepped septum 230. When emitted from the common port 204, the LHCP and RHCP waves are combined to produce a linearly polarized wave with orientation at a tilt angle related to the phase shift introduced into the two components of the transmitted signal. Thus, the transmitted wave is linearly polarized and can be aligned with the polarization axis of the communication system. Similarly, a wave with combined polarization (e.g., linear polarization) incident on the common port 204 is split by the stepped septum 230 into component signals of the base polarization in the divided waveguides 240, 245, which can be recovered by a suitable phase shift of the component signals in the receiver. Although the use of a stepped septum polarizer is discussed, other types of polarizers, including a tilted septum polarizer or other polarizers, may be used.

[0050] The stepped septum 230 may have a transition region (e.g., a stepped region) between the common port 204 and the divided waveguides 240 and 245. In some embodiments, the stepped septum 230 may receive two signals corresponding to two different polarizations via the divided waveguides 240 and 245 and combine the signals at the common port 204 for transmission. The stepped septum 230 may also generate different polarizations for a dual-polarization antenna array. For example, a first signal excited at a first divided waveguide port 240 may result in a first circular polarization (e.g., LHCP) at the common port 204. A second signal excited at a second divided waveguide port 245 may result in a second circular polarization (e.g., RHCP) at the common port 204. Similarly, a circular polarization having a first polarization that excites the common port 204 may be converted into a signal at the first divided waveguide port 240. In other words, the energy from a wave with a first circular polarization received at the common port 204 is transferred to the first divided waveguide port 240. Similarly, the energy from a circular polarization with a second polarization that excites the common port 204 is converted into a signal at the second divided waveguide port 245. In some cases, the stepped septum 230 may operate in transmission mode for the first polarization (e.g., LHCP) while operating in reception mode for the second polarization (e.g., RHCP).

[0051] The illustrated septum is designed to natively convert between excitation and circular polarization at the divided waveguide ports, but in some cases, the septum may be modified to natively convert between excitation and linear polarization at the divided waveguide ports. For example, if the septum is longer (e.g., has a longer stage transition region) or has multiple stage inversions in the axial dimension of the antenna (e.g., Z-axis 275), the polarizer may allow the first and second divided waveguides 240, 245 to be excited by orthogonal linear basis polarization of a polarized wave incident on a common port 204, with sufficient port isolation between the first and second divided waveguides 240, 245. In such a case, the septum polarizer becomes a septum orthogonal mode transducer (OMT).

[0052] The stepped septum 230 may be divided into two sets: a first set of stepped septums 230-a and a second set of stepped septums 230-b. The first set of stepped septums 230-a may have a first orientation in the waveguide device 200, and the second set of stepped septums 230-b may have a second orientation in the waveguide device 200. The second orientation may be opposite to the first orientation or inverted therefrom (for example, along the Y-axis 270). The first set of stepped septums 230-a and the second set of stepped septums 230-b may be arranged in separate alternating rows of the waveguide device 200, Figure 2 illustrates one row of the waveguide device 200. In embodiments including rows in which waveguide devices 200 are stacked, the first set of stepped septums 230-a may be aligned with each other or offset. For example, with respect to aligned stepped septums 230-a, the waveguide device 200 may include a first row having stepped septums 230-a, an adjacent second row having stepped septums 230-b, a third row adjacent to the second row having stepped septums 230-a, and so on.

[0053] Some embodiments of the waveguide device 200 may include multiple antenna feeding points within each of the waveguides of a plurality of first divided waveguides 240 and a plurality of second divided waveguides 245. In some embodiments, the waveguide device 200 may include a first waveguide feeding network coupled between the first feeding port and the plurality of first divided waveguides 240, and a second waveguide feeding network coupled between the second feeding port and the plurality of second divided waveguides 245. These components are illustrated in later figures.

[0054] The components of the waveguide device 200 described in Figure 2 illustrate the compact planar shape of the waveguide-fed network of the waveguide device 200. In particular, the common port 204 may be shared among multiple stepped septums 230. That is, the walls of the common port may not separate the stepped septums 230 from each other. Some of the following figures describe specific structural embodiments of possible components of the waveguide device or antenna array.

[0055] Figure 3A illustrates an embodiment of a single element 302 of a linear array 300 for a dual-polarization antenna array according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The linear array 300 may be part of a row of parallel-plate polarizers. The linear array 300 may be included in a waveguide device such as the waveguide device 200 in Figure 2, or it may be a component of the dual-polarization antenna array 140 in Figure 1. The linear array 300 may be part of an antenna array installed on an aircraft such as the aircraft 130 in Figure 1, or it may be used in conjunction with other devices or systems. In some embodiments, the elements of the linear array 300 may be arranged linearly in a longer linear array, but the elements or arrays of elements may have other shapes or configurations.

[0056] The linear array 300 may include an upper plate 205-a, which may be an embodiment of the upper plate 205 in Figure 2. The linear array 300 may also include a lower plate 215-a, which may be an embodiment of the lower plate 215 in Figure 2. Figure 3A illustrates an embodiment of the end of the linear array 300, including a wall 315. The elements 302 of the linear array 300 may include a first stepped septum 305 and a second stepped septum 310. For example, element 302 may be thought to include a portion of the linear array 300 from the center of one of the second divided waveguides 245-a to the center of the adjacent second divided waveguide 245-a. Alternatively, element 302 may be thought to include a portion of the linear array 300 from one of the sets of the first stepped septums 305 to the next of the sets of the first stepped septums 305. The elements 302 of the linear array 300 illustrated in Figure 3 can be repeated.

[0057] The first stepped septum 305 can be inverted relative to the second stepped septum 310. For example, the first stepped septum 305 is oriented 180 degrees relative to the second stepped septum 310. As shown in Figure 3A, the first stepped septum 305 may be oriented to the negative Y-axis 320 (e.g., the steps face the direction of the negative Y-axis 320), and the second stepped septum 310 may be oriented to the positive Y-axis 320 (e.g., the steps face the direction of the positive Y-axis 320).

[0058] The stepped septums 305 and 310 may have a stepped edge on the front edge and a flat edge on the opposite side. The stepped edge may have steps of regular or irregular size. The edges of the steps may be square, round, oval, etc. In some embodiments, the stepped septums 305 and 310 have matching steps. In other embodiments, the stepped septums 305 and 310 may have steps that are different from each other. In other embodiments, the stepped septums 305 and 310 may be inclined or curved instead of stepped.

[0059] A first segmented waveguide 240-a may be formed between the first stepped septum 305 and the second stepped septum 310. The first segmented waveguide 240-a may be associated with a first polarization (e.g., LHCP). The first segmented waveguide 240-a may include a first set of opposing walls formed by a first portion of the first surface 330 of the upper plate and a first portion of the second surface 335 of the lower plate, and a second set of opposing walls formed by a portion of the first side surface 340 of the first stepped septum 305 and a portion of the first side surface 345 of the second stepped septum 310. The first sides 340 and 345 may correspond to the same side of the stepped septum with respect to the steps. As shown in Figure 3A, when the first sides 340 and 345 are oriented as shown by the stepped septum 310, both can be on the left side of the stepped septum (for example, they may be sides with normals extending in the negative direction on the X-axis 324 when the steps increase along the Y-axis 320 along the transition region 360).

[0060] If the linear array 300 extends, a second divided waveguide 245-a may be formed adjacent to the first divided waveguide 240-a between a stepped septum 310 and another stepped septum oriented like the stepped septum 305 on the other side of the stepped septum 310. The second divided waveguide 245-a may be associated with a second polarization (e.g., RHCP) different from the first polarization. The second divided waveguide 245-a may include a set of first opposing walls formed by a second portion of the first surface 330 of the upper plate and a second portion of the second surface 335 of the lower plate, and a set of second opposing walls formed by a portion of the second side surface 346 of the second stepped septum 310 and a portion of the second side surface of an adjacent first stepped septum (not shown). The second side 346 may correspond to the same side of the stepped septum with respect to the step. As shown in Figure 3A, both the second side 346 and the stepped septum may be on the right side of the stepped septum when oriented as shown by the stepped septum 310 (for example, a side having a normal extending in the positive direction on the X-axis 324 when the step increases along the Y-axis 320 along the transition region 360).

[0061] Each of the stepped septums 305 and 310 may have a leading edge located in the aperture plane defined by the leading edges of the upper plate 205-a and the lower plate 215-a, as shown in Figure 3A. Alternatively, the leading edge may be close to the aperture but not coplanar with it. For example, the stepped septums 305 and 310 may be closer to the aperture than a quarter wavelength of the antenna array frequency. In other embodiments, the leading edges of the stepped septums 305 and 310 may be located at different distances from the aperture, including extending beyond the aperture, as will be described in more detail below.

[0062] In some embodiments, the length of the transition region 360 of the stepped septums 305 and 310 may be longer than the common waveguide dimension 365 (e.g., the distance from the upper plate 205-a to the lower plate 215-a). In other embodiments, the length of the transition region 360 of the stepped septums 305 and 310 may be smaller than the common waveguide dimension 365. For example, the length of the transition region 360 may be less than 3 / 4 or less than 1 / 2 of the common waveguide dimension 365. In other embodiments, other comparative dimensions may be used.

[0063] The design described herein allows for an antenna array to be smaller in various dimensions than conventional antenna arrays used at the same frequency. This reduces thickness (e.g., the axial length of the assembly along the Z-axis 322) and saves the overall mass of the antenna array. In addition, the antenna array may be made smaller along the X-axis 324 by omitting inner walls for defining individual common waveguides for each septum polarizer. Furthermore, the technique described herein provides a uniform and standardized waveguide arrangement, thereby improving the ease of mounting backend assembly components such as waveguide-fed networks and circuit boards to the waveguide.

[0064] Some embodiments provide rectangular interface configurations that can be used with several different beamforming methods. For example, a waveguide power distributor network may be used with an antenna array. In other embodiments, a conventional waveguide design may be used with a standard waveguide. Furthermore, the standard waveguide may be compatible with a printed circuit board. For example, active components (e.g., a circuit card) may be located directly behind the radiator. These active components may include low-noise amplifiers, high-power amplifiers, and transmitting amplifiers. Phase control devices may be used to steer the beam over a range of angles. Active components may also be used to align apertures or to cophase apertures.

[0065] Figure 3B illustrates another embodiment of a single element of a linear array 350 for a dual-polarization antenna array according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The linear array 300 may be part of a row of parallel-plate polarizers. The linear array 350 may be included in a waveguide device such as the waveguide device 200 in Figure 2, or it may be a component of the dual-polarization antenna array 140 in Figure 1. The linear array 350 may be an embodiment of the linear array 300 in Figure 3A. The linear array 350 may be part of an antenna array installed on an aircraft such as the aircraft 130 in Figure 1, or it may be used in conjunction with other devices or systems. In some embodiments, the elements of the linear array 350 may be arranged linearly in a longer linear array, but the elements or arrays of elements may have other shapes or configurations.

[0066] The linear array 350 may include structures similar to those of the linear array 300, such as an upper plate 205-b, a lower plate 215-b, a wall 315-a, a first stepped septum 305-a, and a second stepped septum 310-a. In addition, the upper plate may include one or more sidewall features 355-a, and the lower plate may include one or more sidewall features 355-b (referred to herein as sidewall features 355). The sidewall features 355 reduce the waveguide cutoff frequency or the propagation constant (e.g., TE). 10The mode can be changed, which may provide improved performance or design flexibility for the stacked linear array 350 antenna array. The sidewall features 355 are located within the transition region 360-a of the stepped septum and may be formed along multiple rows of the linear array 350. Alternatively, one or more sidewall features 355 may be located from the transition region 360-a toward the opening or within the divided waveguide. In addition to recesses or grooves as shown in Figure 3B, the sidewall features 355 may include projections into the waveguide. The cross-section of the shown sidewall features is semicircular, but the recesses or projections may be of any shape (e.g., rectangular, square, triangular, trapezoidal, oval, elliptical, etc.) and may have different dimensions than those shown in Figure 3B.

[0067] The stepped septums 305-a and 310-a may also have notches 370, which may also modify the propagation of antenna modes to improve characteristics (e.g., cutoff frequency, axial ratio). In some embodiments, multiple dielectric inserts may be located at least partially in the transition regions 360-a of the stepped septums 305-a and 310-a. The transition region 360-a may be the stepped portion of the stepped septum where the septum transitions from a state in contact with one plate but not with the other to a state in contact with both plates. In some embodiments, each transition region 360-a of the stepped septum has a length in an axial dimension (e.g., Z-axis 322) perpendicular to the plane of the aperture of the dual-polarized antenna array, which is smaller than the wavelength of the carrier frequency of the dual-polarized antenna array. In some embodiments, a dielectric insert 375 may be inserted into the transition region 360-a. The dielectric insert 375 may at least partially fill the divided waveguides 240-a and 245-a (for example, it may extend partially or completely between the opposing walls of the divided waveguides 240-a and 245-a along the X-axis 324 or Y-axis 320), and may at least partially extend within the transition region 360-a of the stepped septums 305-a and 310-a.

[0068] Figure 4A illustrates an embodiment of a partial linear array 400 for a dual-polarization antenna array according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The partial linear array 400 may be part of a row of parallel-plate polarizers. The partial linear array 400 may be included in a waveguide device such as the waveguide device 200 in Figure 2, or it may be a component of the dual-polarization antenna array 140 in Figure 1. The partial linear array 400 may include elements 302-a of a linear array as shown in Figures 3A and 3B. The linear array 400 may be part of an antenna array installed on an aircraft such as the aircraft 130 in Figure 1, or it may be used in conjunction with other devices or systems. In some embodiments, the partial linear array 400 may be arranged linearly in a longer linear array, although the elements or arrays of elements may have other shapes or configurations.

[0069] The partial linear array 400 includes a lower plate 215-c, which may be an embodiment of the lower plate 215 shown in Figures 2, 3A, and 3B. The partial linear array 400 may also include an upper plate, but the upper plate is not shown in Figures 4A-4C in order to more clearly illustrate the internal structure of the partial linear array. Figure 4A illustrates an end embodiment of the partial linear array 400. The elements of the partial linear array 400 may include a plurality of stepped septums 402, which may include a first set of stepped septums 305-b and a second set of stepped septums 310-b. The first set of stepped septums 305-b may be inverted compared to the second set of stepped septums 310-b. For example, the first set of stepped septums 305-b may be oriented 180 degrees along the Y-axis 320 relative to the second set of stepped septums 310-b.

[0070] In some embodiments, a first divided waveguide among a plurality of first divided waveguides 240-a may share a first stepped septum 305-b among a plurality of stepped septums with a second divided waveguide among a plurality of second divided waveguides 245-a, a third divided waveguide among a plurality of second divided waveguides 245-a may share a second stepped septum 310-b among a plurality of stepped septums, and the first divided waveguide is adjacent to the second divided waveguide and the third divided waveguide. Similarly, the second divided waveguide among the plurality of second divided waveguides 245-a may share the fourth divided waveguide among the plurality of first divided waveguides 240-a with the third stepped septum 310-b among the plurality of stepped septums, and the fourth divided waveguide is adjacent to the second divided waveguide.

[0071] Figure 4B illustrates another embodiment of a partial linear array 420 for a dual-polarization antenna array according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The partial linear array 420 may be part of a row of parallel-plate polarizers. The partial linear array 420 may be included in a waveguide device such as the waveguide device 200 in Figure 2, or it may be a component of the dual-polarization antenna array 140 in Figure 1. The partial linear array 420 may include elements 302-a of a linear array as shown in Figures 3A and 3B. The linear array 420 may be part of an antenna array installed on an aircraft such as the aircraft 130 in Figure 1, or it may be used in conjunction with other devices or systems. In some embodiments, the partial linear array 420 may be arranged linearly in a longer linear array, although the elements or arrays of elements may have other shapes or configurations.

[0072] Similar to Figure 4A, Figure 4B shows a partial linear array 420 having a lower plate 215-d but no upper plate. Figure 4B illustrates an embodiment of the partial linear array 420 including a sidewall feature 355-c on the lower plate 215-b, as in Figure 3B. The partial linear array 420 may include a first set of stepped septums 305-c and a second set of stepped septums 310-c.

[0073] Figure 5A illustrates an additional embodiment of a partial linear array 500 for a dual-polarization antenna array according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The partial linear array 500 may be an embodiment of the partial linear arrays 400, 420, and 440 in Figures 4A-4C. The partial linear array 500 illustrates an upper plate 205-c in addition to the lower plate 215-f.

[0074] Figure 5B illustrates an additional embodiment of a partial linear array 520 for a dual-polarization antenna array according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The partial linear array 520 illustrates another figure of the partial linear array without showing walls at the ends of the linear array for clarity.

[0075] The first set of stepped septums 305-f may have a transition region 360-a, which may have the same length as the corresponding transition region for the second set of stepped septums 310-d. As shown in Figure 5C, the transition region may terminate at a point (e.g., in the negative direction along the Z-axis 322) that is coplanar with the leading edges of the upper plate 205-d and the lower plate 215-g. Alternatively, the transition region may terminate forward (e.g., at a more positive location along the Z-axis 322) or backward (e.g., at a more negative location along the Z-axis 322). In some embodiments, the first set of stepped septums 305-f may have a different length than the second set of stepped septums 310-f.

[0076] In some embodiments, the partial linear array 540 may include a plurality of dielectric inserts at least partially located in the transition regions of a plurality of stepped septums. The transition region for each of the stepped septums may have a length in the axial dimension perpendicular to the plane of the aperture of the dual-polarized antenna array, which is smaller than the wavelength of the carrier frequency of the dual-polarized antenna array. In some embodiments, the length is smaller than the dimension of the partial linear array 540 between the upper plate 205-d and the lower plate 215-g (e.g., the height of the divided waveguide along the Y-axis 320).

[0077] Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary stepped septum structure 600 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The stepped septum structure 600 may be part of a waveguide device as described herein, and Figure 6 provides a partial view. The stepped septum structure 600 may include a set of first stepped septums 305-e and a set of second stepped septums 310-e. The set of first stepped septums 305-e and the set of second stepped septums 310-e may be formed from a single sheet of material containing multiple stepped sections of an equivalent number of rows of linear arrays. The set of first stepped septums 305-e and the set of second stepped septums 310-e may be fitted into multiple slots 620 in a plate 605.

[0078] The plate 605 may include a first surface 610 and a second opposite surface 615. Figure 6 illustrates how the first surface 610 of the plate 605 may be part of a first linear array, and how the second surface 615 of the plate 605 may be part of a second linear array. The plate 605 may function as an upper plate for the first linear array and as a lower plate for the second linear array. The stepped septum structure 600 shows an embodiment in which the stepped septum is aligned between different rows of linear arrays in the antenna array. Other embodiments use other configurations. For example, multiple stepped septums for one of a pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers are aligned with multiple stepped septums for the other of a pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers in a dimension parallel to the upper and lower plates of the first parallel-plate polarizer.

[0079] The stepped septum structure 600 illustrates multiple parallel assemblies, each of which comprises a stepped septum from each of multiple parallel-plate polarizers. In some embodiments, the parallel-plate polarizers are constructed using additive manufacturing techniques.

[0080] In some embodiments, a dual-polarization antenna array includes a plurality of first plates, each comprising upper and lower plates of a plurality of parallel-plate polarizers, with each of the plurality of first plates having a slot along a first edge. The dual-polarization antenna array may also include a plurality of second plates, each comprising a stepped septum from a plurality of rows of the plurality of parallel-plate polarizers, with each of the plurality of second plates being inserted into a slot in the plurality of first plates. Each of the plurality of first and second plates may be formed from a metal (e.g., pressed sheet metal) into a single workpiece. The first and second plates may be molded together to form a dual-polarization antenna array.

[0081] As shown in Figure 6, the parallel upper and lower plates may extend horizontally, and the stepped septum may extend vertically. This structure can form a plurality of first divided waveguides 240-b and a plurality of second divided waveguides 245-b. In a passive array embodiment, one or more power supply networks (not shown) may be coupled to the plurality of first divided waveguides 240-b and a plurality of second divided waveguides 245-b. In an active array embodiment, a plurality of circuit cards may be included, which are perpendicular to the plane formed by the upper and lower plates and the stepped septum. The circuit cards may be coupled to the plurality of first divided waveguides 240-b and a plurality of second divided waveguides 245-b, which may be snapped together or otherwise fitted together.

[0082] As illustrated herein, forming a single workpiece for each row of stepped septums for an antenna array can reduce manufacturing costs and time, decrease the amount of material used to fabricate the antenna array, and increase design simplification.

[0083] Figure 7A illustrates an embodiment of a 32-element linear array 700 for a dual-polarization antenna array according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The 32-element linear array 700 may be some embodiment of the waveguide device described herein and may include one or more components of a linear array as described herein. The 32-element linear array 700 may include a plurality of inverted stepped septums. The 32-element linear array 700 may include sidewall features in the plate and / or notches in the transition regions of the plurality of stepped septums. Copies of the 32-element linear array 700 may be stacked on top of each other to form a larger antenna array. In some embodiments, copies of the 32-element linear array 700 are stacked but share plates among them. In some embodiments, dielectric inserts may be located in the notches of the plurality of stepped septums.

[0084] Figure 7B illustrates another embodiment of a 32-element linear array 720 for a dual-polarization antenna array according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The 32-element linear array 720 may be some embodiment of the waveguide device described herein and may include one or more components of the linear array described herein. The 32-element linear array 720 may include a plurality of stepped septums that are inverted (e.g., along the Y-axis 320). Copies of the 32-element linear array 720 may be stacked on top of each other to form a larger antenna array. In some embodiments, copies of the 32-element linear array 720 are stacked but share a plate between them. In embodiments of the 32-element linear array 720, the plurality of stepped septums do not extend beyond the plate.

[0085] In other embodiments, the linear arrays 700, 720, and 740 in Figures 7A and 7B may include different numbers of elements. The linear arrays 700 and 720 may be formed by the manufacturing techniques described herein.

[0086] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a stacked linear array 800 for a dual-polarization antenna array according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The stacked linear array 800 may include any two linear arrays described herein that are stacked together. As described herein, stacking together may mean that the linear arrays are adjacent to each other and can be formed using the manufacturing techniques described herein. For example, the stacked linear array 800 may be formed together in a stacked configuration rather than being two separate arrays stacked together.

[0087] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the stacked linear array 800 includes a plurality of parallel-plate polarizers 802, each having 32 elements. In other embodiments, a different number of parallel-plate polarizers or linear arrays having different numbers of elements may be used. In some embodiments, the stacked linear array 800 forms a rectangular or square shape. In other embodiments, other shapes are formed, such as a curved shape, or a shape manufactured to fit a structure on which the stacked linear array 800 may be mounted, either on top of or partially on top of.

[0088] In some embodiments, two stacked linear arrays 800 form part of a dual-polarization antenna array containing multiple parallel-plate polarizers, where for at least a subset of the multiple parallel-plate polarizers, the upper plate of one pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers and the lower plate of the other pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers are the same plate. Two stacked linear arrays 800 can be repeated to form a larger array.

[0089] In some embodiments, a plurality of stepped septums on one of a pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers are aligned with a plurality of stepped septums on the other of the pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers in a dimension parallel to the upper and lower plates of the first parallel-plate polarizer. In other embodiments, a plurality of stepped septums on one of a pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers may be offset from a plurality of stepped septums on the other of the pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers in a dimension parallel to the upper and lower plates of the plurality of parallel-plate polarizers. For example, a set of stepped septums in a first set of stepped septums on one of a pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers may be aligned (for example, along the X-axis 324) with a set of stepped septums in a second set of stepped septums on the other of the pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers (for example, inverted along the Y-axis from the first set of stepped septums).

[0090] In some embodiments, two stacked linear arrays 800 may include a plurality of parallel-plate polarizers 802, and for at least a subset of the plurality of parallel-plate polarizers, the upper plate of one of a pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers and the lower plate of the other of the pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers are the same plate 804. The two stacked linear arrays 800 may include a first common port 810-a and a second common port 810-b.

[0091] Figure 9 illustrates an example of a dual-polarization antenna array segment 900 according to an aspect of this disclosure. The dual-polarization antenna array segment 900 may include any number of linear arrays described herein, stacked together, such as the linear arrays 700 and 720 in Figures 7A and 7B, or the linear array 800 in Figure 8. The dual-polarization antenna array segment 900 may include a housing 905 providing structural support for the linear arrays. The dual-polarization antenna array segment 900 may be part of a waveguide device, as described herein.

[0092] Figure 10A illustrates an embodiment of a dual-polarization antenna array 1000 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The dual-polarization antenna array 1000 may be some embodiment of a waveguide device as described herein and may include one or more components of a linear array as described herein. The dual-polarization antenna array 1000 may also include a plurality of inverted stepped septums. The dual-polarization antenna array 1000 may include slots in a plate and notches in a plurality of stepped septums. Slots may be used to bring together planar portions of the antenna array. The dual-polarization antenna array 1000 may include a plurality of linear arrays arranged in a column. The dual-polarization antenna array 1000 may be formed using the manufacturing process described with respect to Figure 6. For example, a dual-polarization antenna array 1000 may be formed from a plurality of first plates 1010 having slots 1025, a plurality of second plates 1015 fitting into alternating slots 1025 of the first plates to form a set of first septums 305-f for each row of the dual-polarization antenna array 1000, and a plurality of third plates 1020 fitting into other alternating slots 1025 of the first plates to form a set of second septums 310-f for each row of the dual-polarization antenna array 1000. In some embodiments, the dual-polarization antenna array 1000 may further include sidewall features in the plate and / or notch portions in the transition regions of the plurality of stepped septums.

[0093] The dual-polarization antenna array 1000 may include a plurality of polarization unit cells. Each polarization unit cell may include a top surface, a bottom surface, a first septum, and a second septum. The bottom surface may face the top surface, and the first edge of the top surface and the first edge of the bottom surface form the air interface plane of the dual-polarization antenna array 1000. The first septum may have first and second surfaces perpendicular to the air interface plane, and an edge feature comprising one or more surfaces, wherein the normals of one or more surfaces of the edge feature of the first septum are parallel to the first and second surfaces of the first septum, and on the first side of the transition region of the first septum, the edge feature of the first septum contacts the upper surface and a gap exists between the edge feature of the first septum and the lower surface, and on the second side of the transition region, the edge feature of the first septum contacts both the upper and lower surfaces. Similarly, the second septum may have first and second surfaces perpendicular to the air interface plane, and an edge feature having one or more surfaces, the normals of one or more surfaces of the second edge feature being parallel to the first and second surfaces of the second septum, the edge feature of the second septum contacting the lower surface on the first side of the transition region of the second septum, a gap existing between the edge feature of the second septum and the upper surface, and the edge feature of the second septum contacting the upper and lower surfaces on the second side of the transition region. In the dual-polarization antenna array 1000, a first segmented waveguide may be formed by a first portion of the upper surface, a first portion of the lower surface, a portion of the first surface of the first septum, and a portion of the first surface of the second septum. A second segmented waveguide can be formed by the second portion of the upper surface, the second portion of the lower surface, a portion of the second surface of the second septum of the adjacent polarization unit cell, and the second portion of the second surface of the second septum of the adjacent polarization unit cell.

[0094] Figure 10B illustrates an embodiment of a dual-polarization antenna array 1050 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The dual-polarization antenna array 1050 may be an embodiment of a waveguide device as described herein and may include one or more components of a linear array as described herein. The dual-polarization antenna array 1050 may include a plurality of stepped septums that are inverted and stacked to form a linear array. In the embodiment of Figure 10B, a 16-row array having a total of 512 elements is illustrated. In other embodiments, a different number of rows and elements may be used to form the dual-polarization antenna array 1050.

[0095] Figure 11A illustrates an embodiment of a portion of a dual-polarization antenna array that can couple divided waveguides of a dual-polarization antenna array according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The portion of the dual-polarization antenna array 1100 illustrated in Figure 11A shows a slice of a dual-polarization antenna array that includes divided waveguides for one polarization and illustrates a waveguide-fed network 1110 that includes a first set of combiners / distributors 1112 and a second set of combiners / distributors 1114.

[0096] The dual-polarization antenna array portion 1100 illustrated in Figure 11A represents the antenna aperture and combiner / distributor located behind the linear array as described herein. The dual-polarization antenna array portion 1100 may relate to a partial row of multiple linear arrays as described herein (e.g., one of two septums per element unit).

[0097] A portion 1100 of a dual-polarization antenna array may include a first set of divided waveguides 240-c. A waveguide-fed network 1110 may connect the first set of divided waveguides 240-c between rows of the dual-polarization antenna array and may be part of a larger waveguide-fed network. The waveguide-fed network 1110 may enable the propagation of electromagnetic waves to antenna-fed elements or additional stages of the waveguide-fed network via the first set of divided waveguides 240-c. A portion 1100 of a dual-polarization antenna array may represent multiple (e.g., four) divided waveguides 240-c combined along the Y-axis 320. Additional stages of the waveguide-fed network may connect the waveguide-fed network 1110 along the Y-axis 320 or along the X-axis 324. A portion 1100 of the dual-polarization antenna array may be constructed by additive manufacturing or subtractive manufacturing techniques (e.g., milling, 3D printing) and may be a planar assembly. A portion 1100 of the dual-polarization antenna array may be combined with additional planar assemblies to form a dual-polarization antenna array. It should be understood that a portion 1115 of the coupling 1105 in front of septum 305-g is shown as being manufactured before assembly and removed (e.g., milled off) for the operation of the antenna array.

[0098] Figure 11B illustrates another embodiment of a portion of a dual-polarization antenna array that can combine divided waveguides or waveguide-fed networks of a dual-polarization antenna array according to aspects of the present disclosure. The portion of the dual-polarization antenna array 1120 illustrated in Figure 11B shows a slice of a dual-polarization antenna array containing divided waveguides for one polarization and illustrates a waveguide combiner / distributor of multiple levels. The portion of the dual-polarization antenna array 1120 illustrated in Figure 11B shows a combiner / distributor 1130 located behind the antenna aperture and linear array described herein. The portion of the dual-polarization antenna array 1120 may relate to a partial column of multiple linear arrays as described herein (e.g., one of two septums per element unit).

[0099] A portion 1120 of the dual-polarization antenna array may include a set of first segmented waveguides 240-d. The portion 1120 of the dual-polarization antenna array may connect the first segmented waveguides 240-d together using a waveguide-fed network 1110-a. The portion 1120 of the dual-polarization antenna array may enable the propagation of electromagnetic waves between the common port 1140 and the first segmented waveguides 240-d using the feeding network 1110-a. The structure of the first segmented waveguides 240-d and the waveguide-fed network 1110-a is repeated, but Figure 11B points to only one of each region for clarity. The portion 1120 of the dual-polarization antenna array may be constructed by additive manufacturing or subtractive manufacturing techniques (e.g., milling, 3D printing) and may be a planar assembly. A portion 1120 of a dual-polarization antenna array can be combined with an additional planar assembly to form a dual-polarization antenna array.

[0100] Figure 12A illustrates another embodiment of a waveguide-fed network between divided waveguides and a common port of a dual-polarization antenna array according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The waveguide-fed network 1200-a illustrated in Figure 12A may include an entire array of several stacked linear arrays and may represent an alternative orientation of the septum. For example, the linear arrays may extend along the Y-axis 320 and be stacked along the X-axis 324. Figure 12A provides an embodiment of a horizontal septum having a combiner network for horizontally combining across the array (e.g., along the X-axis 324) before vertical combining (not shown).

[0101] Waveguide-fed networks 1200-a may include a set of first divided waveguides 240-e and a set of second divided waveguides 245-e, where these sets may alternately occupy rows (e.g., along the Y-axis 320) and be consistent along columns (e.g., along the X-axis 324). Waveguide-fed networks 1200-a may connect the set of first divided waveguides 240-e and the set of second divided waveguides 245-e to corresponding common ports (not shown). Waveguide-fed networks 1200-a may enable the propagation of electromagnetic waves between the set of first divided waveguides 240-e and the set of second divided waveguides 245-e and a common port associated with different polarizations. Waveguide-fed networks 1200-a may include a first waveguide-fed network 1210 associated with the set of first divided waveguides 240-e. The structure of the first set of divided waveguides 240-e, the second set of divided waveguides 245-e, and the combiner / distributor 1224 are repeated, but Figure 12A points to only one of each for clarity.

[0102] Waveguide power supply network 1200-a illustrates an example of an air model of a waveguide combiner / distributor. This air model may be defined by one or more assemblies constructed by additive manufacturing or subtractive manufacturing (e.g., milling, 3D printing).

[0103] Figure 12B illustrates an example of a rear perspective view embodiment of a waveguide-fed network 1200-b for a dual-polarization antenna array according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 12B shows an air model of a rear perspective view of the waveguide-fed network 1200-b, which illustrates a first waveguide-fed network 1210-a coupled with a first set of divided waveguides 240-f, and a second waveguide-fed network 1210-b coupled with a second set of divided waveguides 245-f. The dual-polarization antenna array 1200 may include a plurality of elevated combiners 1205 and a dual-duplexing filter assembly 1220. In some embodiments, the dual-duplexing filter assembly 1220 includes two common ports, one common port associated with a first polarization (e.g., a first set of divided waveguides 240-f) and the other common port associated with a second polarization (e.g., a second set of divided waveguides 245-f). In some embodiments, a rear perspective view of the waveguide-fed network 1200-b may show a vertical combiner / distributor of the antenna array diagram shown in Figure 12A.

[0104] Figure 13 illustrates an example of a front perspective view embodiment of a waveguide-fed network for a dual-polarization antenna array according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 13 shows an air model of a front perspective view of a waveguide-fed network 1300 showing a combiner / distributor 1310 coupled with a first set of divided waveguides 240-g or a second set of divided waveguides 245-g. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the first set of four divided waveguides may be combined vertically (e.g., along the Y-axis 320) and then horizontally (e.g., along the X-axis 324). The embodiment in Figure 13 illustrates a waveguide-fed network for a dual-polarization antenna array having septums arranged in a vertical orientation.

[0105] Figure 14 illustrates another embodiment of a rear perspective view of a waveguide-fed network for a dual-polarization antenna array according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 14 shows an air model of a rear perspective view of a waveguide-fed network 1400 illustrating multiple stages of a combiner / distributor coupled with a first set of divided waveguides 240-h or a second set of divided waveguides 245-h. For example, the waveguide-fed network 1400 may include a first stage 1410, a second stage 1420, and a third stage 1430 for each polarization. The first stage may generally have a combiner / distributor oriented along the Z-axis 322, and the combiner / distributor may be of a first type (e.g., a magnetic field combiner / distributor); the second stage 1420 may generally have a combiner / distributor oriented along the Z-axis 322, and the combiner / distributor may be of a second type (e.g., a field field combiner / distributor); and the third stage 1430 may have a combiner / distributor oriented along the X-axis 324 and Y-axis 320 (e.g., in a plane defined by the X-axis and Y-axis), and the combiner / distributor may be of a first type (e.g., a magnetic field combiner / distributor). In some embodiments, a rear perspective view of the waveguide-fed network 1400 may correspond to a front perspective view of the waveguide-fed network 1300 in Figure 13.

[0106] Figure 15 illustrates an example of an internal side view of a dual-polarization antenna array 1500 according to an aspect of this disclosure. The dual-polarization antenna array 1500 may be an example of a scanning dual-polarization antenna array. The dual-polarization antenna array 1500 may be included in a waveguide device such as the waveguide device 200 in Figure 2, or it may be a component of the dual-polarization antenna array 140 in Figure 1. The dual-polarization antenna array 1500 may be part of an antenna array installed on an aircraft such as the aircraft 130 in Figure 1, or it may be used in conjunction with other devices or systems. The dual-polarization antenna array 1500 may be part of any of the exemplary antenna arrays described herein.

[0107] The dual-polarization antenna array 1500 is shown in a side view illustrating an interface 1510 between a plurality of circuit cards 1520 and a set of first divided waveguides 240-i and a set of second divided waveguides 245-i. The dual-polarization antenna array 1500 has a plurality of openings 1515 of the set of first divided waveguides 240-i and the set of second divided waveguides 245-i, which are coupled to the plurality of interfaces 1510. The interface 1510 provides a means for connecting the antenna feed points from the divided waveguides 240-i, 245-i to the plurality of circuit cards 1520. In other words, interface 1510 provides connections between the multiple circuit cards 1520 and the first set of divided waveguides 240-i and the second set of divided waveguides 245-i (for example, using antenna feed points that are part of the circuit cards or mounted on the circuit cards and arranged on the divided waveguides). Each of the multiple circuit cards 1520 may be supported by one of the multiple shelves 1505. In some embodiments, the multiple circuit cards 1520 may be printed circuit boards.

[0108] The dual-polarization antenna array 1500 may also include a distribution circuit 1540. The distribution circuit 1540 may be used in conjunction with other distribution circuits in a larger antenna array. In one embodiment, the distribution circuit 1540 may be a quadrant card that can be used with three other cards in a larger antenna array. The dual-polarization antenna array 1500 may also include a plug 1525.

[0109] In some embodiments, since there are two polarizations in the dual-polarization antenna array 1500, there may be two elevated combiners as part of the waveguide-fed network 1110-f. An elevated combiner card (not shown) can electronically process the waveforms in the two elevated combiners.

[0110] In some embodiments, each of the multiple circuit cards 1520 is coupled to a subset of multiple antenna feed points. In some embodiments, each of the multiple circuit cards 1520 comprises an electrical beamforming network 1530. In some embodiments, the electrical beamforming network 1530 of each of the multiple circuit cards 1520 comprises multiple beamforming circuits 1535, each beamforming circuit associated with one or more of the antenna feed points. For example, each beamforming circuit may be coupled to several adjacent feed points. In some embodiments, a dual-polarization antenna array 1500 may have a combination of waveguide-fed networks and beamforming circuits 1535. For example, several adjacent segmented waveguides may be coupled to a feeding network and share antenna feed points fed by beamforming circuits. In some embodiments, a dual-polarization antenna array 1500 may support multi-beam applications.

[0111] In some embodiments, the dual-polarization antenna array 1500 may also include a plurality of distribution circuits, such as a distribution circuit 1540, each of which is coupled to at least a subset of a plurality of circuit cards 1520, providing a first signal associated with a first polarization and a second signal associated with a second polarization to at least a subset of the plurality of circuit cards 1520. In some embodiments, the first polarization is a first circular polarization, and the second polarization is a second circular polarization. In other embodiments where the septum is OMT, the first polarization is a first linear polarization, and the second polarization is a second linear polarization.

[0112] In some embodiments, each of the multiple circuit cards 1520 is coupled to a subset of multiple antenna feed points located in each of the waveguides of the multiple first divided waveguides 240-i and the multiple second divided waveguides 245-i of one of the multiple parallel-plate polarizers.

[0113] In some embodiments, each of the multiple circuit cards 1520 comprises multiple ADCs and multiple DACs, and each of the multiple ADCs and multiple DACs is coupled to one or more of the multiple antenna feed points.

[0114] Figure 16A illustrates an exemplary front perspective view of a scanning dual-polarization antenna array 1600 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The dual-polarization antenna array 1600 may be an embodiment of a dual-polarization antenna array. The dual-polarization antenna array 1600 may be included in a waveguide device such as the waveguide device 200 in Figure 2, or it may be a component of the dual-polarization antenna array 140 in Figure 1. The dual-polarization antenna array 1600 may be part of an antenna array installed on an aircraft such as the aircraft 130 in Figure 1, or it may be used in conjunction with other devices or systems. The dual-polarization antenna array 1600 may be part of any of the exemplary antenna arrays described herein. For example, the dual-polarization antenna array 1600 may be one aspect of the dual-polarization antenna array 1500 in Figure 15, or may include one or more aspects.

[0115] The dual-polarization antenna array 1600 includes a set of first divided waveguides 240-j and a set of second divided waveguides 245-j coupled to a plurality of circuit cards 1520-a. The dual-polarization antenna array 1600 may include a housing 905-b supporting the linear array contained in the dual-polarization antenna array 1600.

[0116] Figure 16B illustrates an exemplary rear perspective view of a digital dual-polarization antenna array 1620 according to an aspect of this disclosure. The dual-polarization antenna array 1620 may be an embodiment of a dual-polarization antenna array. The dual-polarization antenna array 1620 may be included in a waveguide device such as the waveguide device 200 in Figure 2, or it may be a component of the dual-polarization antenna array 140 in Figure 1. The dual-polarization antenna array 1620 may be part of an antenna array installed on an aircraft such as the aircraft 130 in Figure 1, or it may be used in conjunction with other devices or systems. The dual-polarization antenna array 1620 may be part of any of the exemplary antenna arrays described herein. For example, the dual-polarization antenna array 1620 may be one aspect of the dual-polarization antenna array 1500 in Figure 15 or the dual-polarization antenna array 1600 in Figure 16, or may include one or more aspects.

[0117] The dual-polarization antenna array 1620 may include a first set of divided waveguides and a second set of divided waveguides coupled to a plurality of circuit cards 1520-b. The dual-polarization antenna array 1620 may include a housing 905-c supporting the linear array contained in the dual-polarization antenna array 1620. The dual-polarization antenna array 1620 may include one or more plugs 1525-a for electronically connecting the dual-polarization antenna array 1620 to another device such as a processor or to a power supply. The dual-polarization antenna array 1620 may also include an amplifier, one or more element printer wiring assemblies (PWAs), one or more distribution circuits, and a tile-controlled PWA, as shown in Figure 18.

[0118] Figure 16C illustrates another exemplary rear perspective view of a digital dual-polarization antenna array 1640 according to an aspect of this disclosure. The dual-polarization antenna array 1640 may be an embodiment of a dual-polarization antenna array. The dual-polarization antenna array 1640 may be included in a waveguide device such as the waveguide device 200 in Figure 2, or it may be a component of the dual-polarization antenna array 140 in Figure 1. The dual-polarization antenna array 1640 may be part of an antenna array installed on an aircraft such as the aircraft 130 in Figure 1, or it may be used in conjunction with other devices or systems. The dual-polarization antenna array 1640 may be part of any of the exemplary antenna arrays described herein. For example, the dual-polarization antenna array 1640 may be an embodiment of the dual-polarization antenna array 1500 in Figure 15 or the dual-polarization antenna arrays 1600 and 1620 in Figures 16A and 16B, or it may include one or more embodiments thereof.

[0119] The dual-polarization antenna array 1640 includes a first set of divided waveguides and a second set of divided waveguides coupled to a plurality of circuit cards 1520-c. The dual-polarization antenna array 1640 may include a housing 905-d supporting the linear array contained in the dual-polarization antenna array 1640. The dual-polarization antenna array 1620 may include one or more plugs 1625-a.

[0120] Figure 17A illustrates an exemplary front perspective view of a digital dual-polarization antenna array 1700 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The dual-polarization antenna array 1700 may be an embodiment of a dual-polarization antenna array. The dual-polarization antenna array 1700 may be included in a waveguide device such as the waveguide device 200 in Figure 2, or it may be a component of the dual-polarization antenna array 140 in Figure 1. The dual-polarization antenna array 1700 may be part of an antenna array installed on an aircraft such as the aircraft 130 in Figure 1, or it may be used in conjunction with other devices or systems. The dual-polarization antenna array 1700 may be part of any of the exemplary antenna arrays described herein. For example, the dual-polarization antenna array 1700 may be an embodiment of the dual-polarization antenna arrays 1500, 1600, 1620, or 1640 in Figures 15 and 16A-16C, or may include one or more embodiments thereof. The digital dual-polarization antenna array 1700 can be one tile of a larger antenna array.

[0121] The dual-polarization antenna array 1700 includes multiple linear arrays 1705, each containing a set of first divided waveguides 240-k and a set of second divided waveguides 245-k coupled to multiple circuit cards 1520-d. The dual-polarization antenna array 1700 exemplifies multiple parallel assemblies, each parallel assembly comprising a stepped septum from each of multiple parallel-plate polarizers and at least a portion of a combiner / distributor for the first set of divided waveguides and the second set of divided waveguides. In some embodiments, the parallel-plate polarizers are constructed using lamination techniques, sheet metal plates, or laminated milled assemblies.

[0122] Figure 17B illustrates an exemplary rear perspective view of a digital dual-polarization antenna array 1720 according to an aspect of this disclosure. The dual-polarization antenna array 1720 may be included in a waveguide device such as the waveguide device 200 in Figure 2, or it may be a component of the dual-polarization antenna array 140 in Figure 1. The dual-polarization antenna array 1720 may be part of an antenna array installed on an aircraft such as the aircraft 130 in Figure 1, or it may be used in conjunction with other devices or systems. The dual-polarization antenna array 1720 may be part of any of the exemplary antenna arrays described herein. For example, the dual-polarization antenna array 1720 may be one aspect of the dual-polarization antenna arrays 1500, 1600, 1620, 1640, or 1700 in Figures 15, 16A-16C, and 17A, or may include one or more aspects thereof. The digital dual-polarization antenna array 1720 may be one tile of a larger antenna array.

[0123] The dual-polarization antenna array 1720 includes multiple linear arrays 1705-a, each containing a set of first divided waveguides 240-l and a set of second divided waveguides 245-l coupled to multiple circuit cards 1520-e. In some embodiments, the parallel plate polarizers are constructed using additive manufacturing techniques, sheet metal plates, or laminated milled assemblies.

[0124] Figure 18 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary scanning dual-polarization antenna array 1800 according to an aspect of this disclosure. The digital dual-polarization antenna array 1800 may be included in a waveguide device such as the waveguide device 200 in Figure 2, or it may be a component of the dual-polarization antenna array 140 in Figure 1. The digital dual-polarization antenna array 1800 may be part of an antenna array installed on an aircraft such as the aircraft 130 in Figure 1, or it may be used in conjunction with other devices or systems. The dual-polarization antenna array 1800 may be part of any of the exemplary antenna arrays described herein. For example, the digital dual-polarization antenna array 1800 may be one aspect of the digital dual-polarization antenna arrays 1500, 1600, 1620, 1640, 1700, or 1720 in Figures 15, 16A-16C, 17A, and 17B, or may include one or more aspects thereof.

[0125] The digital dual-polarization antenna array 1800 may include a plurality of element printed wiring assemblies (PWAs) 1805, a plurality of first distribution PWAs 1840, and a second distribution PWA 1870. Each first distribution PWA 1840 may be connected to a plurality of element PWAs 1805. A first distribution PWA may be an embodiment of the distribution circuit 1540 in Figure 15. A second distribution PWA 1870 may be referred to as a tile control circuit and may be connected to a plurality of distribution PWAs 1840. The number of element PWAs 1805 and first distribution PWAs 1840 included in the digital dual-polarization antenna array 1800 may depend on the size of the digital dual-polarization antenna array 1800. In some embodiments, the element PWAs 1805, first distribution PWAs 1840, and second distribution PWAs 1870 may be one or more embodiments of the digital circuits included on the back side of the antenna array described herein.

[0126] The element PWA1805 may include a plurality of antenna elements 1810, each associated with a polarization such as circular polarization or linear polarization (RHCP and LHCP are illustrated as embodiments in Figure 18). For example, a first antenna element 1810 may be associated with a first polarization 1802, and a second antenna element 1810 may be associated with a second polarization 1804. Each antenna waveguide may be connected (via the antenna elements 1810) to a high-power amplifier (HPA) 1815, which is part of a transmitting antenna array (TXM) 1820. Each TXM 1820 may include two transmitters and one or more DACs or upconverters. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 18, each element PWA1805 includes 10 TXMs 1820. In other embodiments, a different number of TXMs 1820 may be included in the element PWA1805. The number of TXM1820s may depend on the size of the digital dual-polarization antenna array 1800. The element PWA1805 may also include a fan-out circuit 1825 for connection to the distribution PWA1840. As described herein, there may be many ports on the rear side of the digital dual-polarization antenna array 1800.

[0127] In some embodiments, element PWA1805 may provide a first signal associated with a first polarization and a second signal associated with a second polarization to at least a subset of the first distribution PWA1840.

[0128] The distribution PWA 1840 may include four digital beamforming (DBF) circuits 1845. The DBF circuits 1845 may be used to control the beam direction of a digital dual-polarization antenna array 1800. Each DBF circuit 1845 may be connected to one or more element PWAs 1805. Each DBF circuit 1845 may independently control the phase and / or amplitude of the signals transmitted through the antenna elements to which these DBF circuits are connected on the element PWAs 1805. The distribution PWA 1840 includes a fanout 1850 for connection to a second distribution PWA 1870. In some embodiments, the DBF circuits 1845 may be connected to several antenna elements driven by each element PWA 1805. The DBF circuits 1845 may independently control each element of the antenna array as described herein. For example, the DBF circuits 1845 may control each element to combine two circularly polarized signals to generate a linearly polarized signal at any angle. For example, each DBF circuit 1845 may output two or more signals that are provided to the TXM circuit 1820 (e.g., via the fan-out circuit 1825). In some embodiments, each signal generated by the DBF circuit 1845 may be transmitted to two or more TXM circuits 1820.

[0129] In some embodiments, there may be layers of distribution PWA1840 for a very large digital dual-polarization antenna array 1800. In other embodiments, the distribution PWA1840 may support a different number of elements PWA1805.

[0130] The second distribution PWA 1870 may be connected to four distribution PWAs and includes a fan-out circuit 1855 for this purpose. The second distribution PWA 1870 includes a frequency reference connector 1875, a time synchronization connector 1880, an optical connector 1885, and a diagnostic connector 1890. Each of these connectors may be configured to connect to one or more processors that can instruct the second distribution PWA 1870 on how to control the digital dual-polarization antenna array 1800.

[0131] Figure 19 shows a flowchart of exemplary method 1900 for manufacturing an antenna array in various embodiments. Using method 1900, antenna arrays such as the dual-polarization antenna array embodiments described in Figures 1-18 can be manufactured. In some embodiments, a processor may execute one or more sets of codes for controlling machining equipment to perform the functions described below.

[0132] Method 1900 may include, in 1905, fabricating a plurality of plates. The plurality of plates may form upper and lower plates for linear arrays. A plate may function as both an upper plate for one linear array and a lower plate for adjacent linear arrays. The plurality of plates may include slots for mounting stepped septums within the plates. Those plates, which are upper and lower plates, may include the same number of slots as stepped septums for larger antenna arrays. In embodiments of plate assemblies, such as in the embodiment of Figure 6, the plurality of plates 1905 may also include septum plates. The septum plates may include two versions having 180-degree opposite orientations, as described herein. Each of the plurality of plates may be formed as a single component. The plurality of plates may be formed from sheet metal. In some embodiments, the plurality of plates may be formed from a non-conductive material such as metal or metal-coated plastic.

[0133] In 1910, Method 1900 may include fabricating a plate of multiple septums. The septums may be stepped, curved, or rectangular, as described herein. The plate of septums may contain the same number of stepped septum regions as the number of rows in the antenna array. For example, if the antenna array is configured to contain 32 rows, the plate of septums may contain 32 stepped septum regions (e.g., one for each linear array). In some embodiments, the septums may be aligned with each other (e.g., the alignment may be the same across different linear arrays), while in other embodiments, the septums may be offset from each other. For example, when the septums are aligned, each septum region of one type of plate may have septums with the same orientation. In the offset example, each septum region of one type of plate may have septums with opposite orientations. The number of printed plates of septums may correspond to the number of elements in each linear array. Multiple septums can be formed from sheet metal. In some embodiments, multiple septums can be formed from a non-conductive material such as metal or a metal-coated plastic.

[0134] In 1915, Method 1900 may further include plating the plates and septum plates with a conductive material if the plates were made from a non-conductive material. The conductive material may be, for example, a metal.

[0135] In 1920, Method 1900 may include mounting a plurality of stepped septums to a plate using slots, with adjacent stepped septums having alternating orientations, and the plate forming an upper plate and a lower plate for a plurality of waveguides. Method 1900 describes forming a plate, and other manufacturing processes such as 3D printing may be used to form an antenna array as described herein. Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a method for mounting plates together to form a plate assembly. The plate assembly forms a plurality of first divided waveguide sets and second divided waveguide sets between the stepped septums and the plate. This may form a grid to which circuit cards can be snapped. There are no walls separating the stepped septums, which provides a degree of freedom in the design, manufacture, and formation of the antenna array. The antenna array may be assembled in a tile form and stacked together.

[0136] In some embodiments, Method 1900 may also include mounting a planar assembly to the front side of a waveguide-fed network assembly (e.g., for a passive antenna array) or one or more circuit cards to the planar assembly (e.g., for an active antenna array). The waveguide-fed network assembly may be positioned to coincide with a first and second set of divided waveguides formed by the planar assembly. In some embodiments, the waveguide-fed network assembly is also 3D printed. In some embodiments, the circuit cards may be mounted to the back side of the waveguide-fed network assembly. In additional embodiments, there may be a portion of an antenna array having a smaller waveguide-fed network that combines adjacent groups of divided waveguides, such as 2, 4, 8, or 16, which is part of a larger active antenna array.

[0137] It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, that the operations and steps may be rearranged or modified, and that other implementations are possible. Furthermore, they may be combinations of two or more methods.

[0138] The following provides an overview of the aspects of this disclosure.

[0139] Embodiment 1: A dual-polarization antenna array comprising a parallel-plate polarizer, the parallel-plate polarizer comprising an upper plate having a first surface, and a lower plate parallel to the upper plate and having a second surface facing the first surface of the upper plate, the lower plate being parallel to the upper plate, and a plurality of stepped septums extending from the first surface of the upper plate to the second surface of the lower plate, each of the plurality of stepped septums having a first side and a second side, the plurality of stepped septums comprising a set of first stepped septums and a set of second stepped septums inverted with respect to the set of first stepped septums, and a plurality of first divided waveguides associated with the first polarization, each of the plurality of first divided waveguides comprising a first portion of the first surface of the upper plate and a second portion of the lower plate A dual-polarization antenna array comprising: a plurality of first segmented waveguides having a set of first opposing walls formed by a first portion of the surface of a plate and a set of second opposing walls formed by a portion of the first side surface of one of the set of first stepped septums and a portion of the first side surface of one of the set of second stepped septums; and a plurality of second segmented waveguides associated with a second polarization, each of which has a set of first segmented waveguides having a set of first opposing walls formed by a second portion of the first surface of an upper plate and a second portion of the second surface of a lower plate and a set of second opposing walls formed by a portion of the second side surface of one of the set of first stepped septums and a portion of the second side surface of one of the set of second stepped septums.

[0140] Embodiment 2: The dual-polarization antenna array according to Embodiment 1, comprising a plurality of parallel-plate polarizers, wherein for at least a subset of the plurality of parallel-plate polarizers, the upper plate of one of a pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers and the lower plate of the other of the pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers are the same plate.

[0141] Embodiment 3: A dual-polarization antenna array according to Embodiment 2, wherein, in a dimension parallel to the upper and lower plates of the first parallel-plate polarizer, a plurality of stepped septums of one pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers are aligned with a plurality of stepped septums of the other pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers.

[0142] Embodiment 4: A dual-polarization antenna array according to Embodiment 2, wherein, in a dimension parallel to the upper and lower plates of a plurality of parallel-plate polarizers, a plurality of stepped septums of one pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers are offset from a plurality of stepped septums of the other pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers.

[0143] Embodiment 5: A dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 4, further comprising a plurality of antenna feeding sections within each of the plurality of first divided waveguides and a plurality of second divided waveguides.

[0144] Embodiment 6: The dual-polarization antenna array according to Embodiment 5, further comprising a plurality of circuit cards, each of which is coupled with a subset of a plurality of antenna feed points.

[0145] Embodiment 7: The dual-polarization antenna array according to Embodiment 6, wherein each of the plurality of circuit cards comprises an electrical beamforming network.

[0146] Embodiment 8: The dual-polarization antenna array according to Embodiment 7, wherein each electrical beamforming network of a plurality of circuit cards comprises a plurality of beamforming circuits, each beamforming circuit being associated with one or more of the antenna feed points.

[0147] Embodiment 9: A dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of embodiments 6 to 8, further comprising a plurality of distribution circuits, each of which is coupled to at least a subset of a plurality of circuit cards, and which provides a first signal associated with a first polarization and a second signal associated with a second polarization to at least a subset of the plurality of circuit cards.

[0148] Embodiment 10: A dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of embodiments 6 to 9, wherein each of the plurality of circuit cards is coupled to a subset of a plurality of antenna feed points located in each of the waveguides of a plurality of first divided waveguides and a plurality of second divided waveguides of one of the plurality of parallel-plate polarizers.

[0149] Embodiment 11: A dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of Embodiments 6 to 10, wherein each of the multiple circuit cards comprises multiple analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and multiple digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and each of the multiple ADCs and multiple DACs is coupled to one or more of the multiple antenna feed points.

[0150] Embodiment 12: The dual-polarization antenna array according to Embodiment 2, further comprising: a first waveguide-fed network coupled between a first common port and a plurality of first divided waveguides; and a second waveguide-fed network coupled between a second common port and a plurality of second divided waveguides.

[0151] Embodiment 13: The dual-polarization antenna array according to Embodiment 12, comprising a plurality of parallel assemblies, each parallel assembly comprising a stepped septum from each of a plurality of parallel-plate polarizers and at least a portion of a combiner / distributor of a first waveguide-fed network or a second waveguide-fed network.

[0152] Embodiment 14: A dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 13, comprising: a plurality of first plates including upper and lower plates of a plurality of parallel plate polarizers, each of the plurality of first plates having a slot along a first edge; and a plurality of second plates, each of the plurality of second plates having a stepped septum from a plurality of rows of the plurality of parallel plate polarizers, each of the plurality of second plates being inserted into the slots of the plurality of first plates.

[0153] Embodiment 15: A dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the parallel-plate polarizer is constructed using an additive manufacturing technique.

[0154] Embodiment 16: A dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the first polarization is a first circular polarization and the second polarization is a second circular polarization.

[0155] Embodiment 17: A dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the first polarization is a first linear polarization and the second polarization is a second linear polarization.

[0156] Embodiment 18: A dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of embodiments 1 to 17, further comprising a plurality of dielectric inserts located at least partially in the transition regions of a plurality of stepped septums.

[0157] Embodiment 19: A dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the transition region for each of the stepped septums has a length in the axial dimension perpendicular to the plane of the aperture of the dual-polarization antenna array, which is smaller than the wavelength of the carrier frequency of the dual-polarization antenna array.

[0158] Embodiment 20: A dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the first divided waveguide among a plurality of first divided waveguides shares a first stepped septum among a plurality of stepped septums with the second divided waveguide among a plurality of second divided waveguides, the third divided waveguide among a plurality of second divided waveguides shares a second stepped septum among a plurality of stepped septums, and the first divided waveguide is adjacent to the second divided waveguide and the third divided waveguide.

[0159] Embodiment 21: A dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the first set of stepped septums and the second set of stepped septums are interleaved along directions parallel to the upper plate and the lower plate.

[0160] Embodiment 22: A device comprising a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the device to perform the method described in any of Embodiments 1 to 21.

[0161] Embodiment 23: An apparatus comprising at least one means for carrying out the method described in any of Embodiments 1 to 21.

[0162] Embodiment 24: A non-temporary computer-readable medium storing code, wherein the code includes instructions that can be executed by a processor to perform the method described in any of Embodiments 1 to 21.

[0163] The information and signals described herein can be represented using any of the various different techniques and methods. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout this description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0164] Various exemplary blocks and components described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented or run using general-purpose processors, DSPs, ASICs, CPUs, FPGAs, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0165] The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Other embodiments and implementations are within the scope of this disclosure and the accompanying claims. For example, due to the nature of the software, the functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or any combination thereof. The feature implementing the function may also be physically positioned in various locations, including being distributed so that parts of the function are implemented in different physical locations.

[0166] Computer-readable media include both non-temporary computer storage media and communication media, including any media that facilitate the transfer of computer programs from one location to another. Non-temporary storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose computer or a dedicated computer. For example, but not limited to, non-temporary computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-temporary media that can be used to hold or store desired program code means in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a general-purpose computer or a dedicated computer, or a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor. Any connection is also appropriately referred to as computer-readable media. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of computer-readable media. Disks and discs, as used herein, include CDs, laserdiscs, optical discs, digital multipurpose discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, which typically reproduce data optically using a laser. Any combination of the above is also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0167] When used herein, including in the claims, "or" in a list of items (e.g., a list of items preceded by phrases such as "at least one" or "one or more") indicates a comprehensive list, such as the list "at least one A, B, or C" meaning A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, when used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be construed as a reference to a limited set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step described as "based on condition A" may be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In other words, when used herein, the phrase "based on" should be construed in the same way as the phrase "at least partially based on."

[0168] The term "decide" or "make a decision" encompasses a wide variety of actions, and therefore "making a decision" can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, searching (such as through searching in tables, databases, or other data structures), confirming, etc. It can also include receiving (such as receiving information), accessing (such as accessing data in memory), etc. Furthermore, "making a decision" can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and other similar actions.

[0169] When used in this description, the term “parallel” is not intended to imply a limitation to exact geometric parallelism. For example, as used in this disclosure, the term “parallel” is intended to include typical deviations from geometric parallelism related to considerations such as manufacturing and assembly tolerances. Furthermore, certain manufacturing processes, such as forming or casting, may require positive or negative drafts, edge chamfers and / or fillets, or other features to facilitate the manufacturing, assembly, or manipulation of various components. In this case, certain surfaces may not be geometrically parallel, but may be parallel in the context of this disclosure.

[0170] Similarly, when used in this description, the terms “orthogonal” and “perpendicular” are not intended to imply a limitation to exact geometric perpendicularity when used to describe geometric relationships. For example, the terms “orthogonal” and “perpendicular” as used in this disclosure are intended to include typical deviations from geometric perpendicularity related to considerations such as manufacturing and assembly tolerances. Furthermore, certain manufacturing processes, such as forming or casting, may require positive or negative drafts, edge chamfers and / or fillets, or other features to facilitate the manufacturing, assembly, or manipulation of various components. In this case, certain surfaces may not be geometrically perpendicular, but may be perpendicular in the context of this disclosure.

[0171] When used in this specification to describe electromagnetic polarization, the term “orthogonal” means distinguishing between two separable polarizations. For example, two linear polarizations with unit vector directions separated by 90 degrees may be considered orthogonal. In the case of circular polarization, two polarizations are considered orthogonal if they share a direction of propagation but rotate in opposite directions.

[0172] In the accompanying drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Furthermore, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following a reference label with a dash and a second label that distinguishes them from similar components. Where only the first reference label is used herein, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label, regardless of the second reference label or any other subsequent reference labels.

[0173] The descriptions herein, in relation to the accompanying drawings, describe exemplary configurations and do not represent all embodiments that may be practiced or that fall within the scope of the claims. The term “exemplary” as used herein means “serving as an example, illustration, or demonstrative,” and does not imply “preferred” or “advantageous over other embodiments.” Detailed descriptions include specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques may be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described embodiments.

[0174] The descriptions herein are provided to enable those skilled in the art to construct or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is given the broadest scope that is consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A dual-polarization antenna array (140), The system includes a parallel plate polarizer (202), and the parallel plate polarizer (202) is An upper flat plate (205) having a first surface (210), A lower flat plate (215) is parallel to the upper flat plate and has a second surface (220) facing the first surface of the upper flat plate, A plurality of stepped septums (402) extending from the first surface of the upper plate to the second surface of the lower plate, each of the plurality of stepped septums having a first side surface (340) and a second side surface (345), and the plurality of stepped septums (402) includes a set of first stepped septums (305) and a set of second stepped septums (310) inverted relative to the set of first stepped septums, A plurality of first segmented waveguides (240) associated with a first polarization (1802), each of the plurality of first segmented waveguides having a first set of opposing walls (250) formed by a first portion of the first surface of the upper plate (251) and a first portion of the second surface of the lower plate (252), and a second set of opposing walls (255) formed by a portion of the first side surface of one of the first set of stepped septums (256) and a portion of the first side surface of one of the second set of stepped septums (257), A dual-polarization antenna array (140) comprising: a plurality of second divided waveguides (245) associated with a second polarization (1804), each of the plurality of second divided waveguides having a set of third opposing walls (260) formed by a second portion of the first surface of the upper plate (261) and a second portion of the second surface of the lower plate (262); and a set of fourth opposing walls (265) formed by a portion of the second side of one of the first stepped septum set (266) and a portion of the second side of one of the second stepped septum set (267).

2. The dual-polarization antenna array according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of parallel-plate polarizers (802) including the parallel-plate polarizer, wherein for at least a subset of the plurality of parallel-plate polarizers, the upper plate of one of a pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers and the lower plate of the other of the pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers are the same plate (804).

3. The dual-polarization antenna array according to claim 2, wherein in a direction (324) parallel to the upper plate and the lower plate of one parallel-plate polarizer, the plurality of stepped septums of one of the pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers are aligned with the plurality of stepped septums of the other of the pair of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers.

4. The dual-polarization antenna array according to claim 2, wherein in a direction (324) parallel to the upper plate and the lower plate of the plurality of parallel-plate polarizers, the plurality of stepped septums of one of the pairs of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers are offset from the plurality of stepped septums of the other of the pairs of adjacent parallel-plate polarizers.

5. The dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a plurality of antenna feeding sections within each of the plurality of first divided waveguides and the plurality of second divided waveguides.

6. The dual-polarization antenna array according to claim 5, further comprising a plurality of circuit cards (1520), each of which is coupled to a subset of the plurality of antenna feed units.

7. The dual-polarization antenna array according to claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of circuit cards comprises an electrical beamforming network (1530).

8. The dual-polarization antenna array according to claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of circuit cards' electrical beamforming networks comprises a plurality of beamforming circuits (1535), and each beamforming circuit is associated with one or more of the antenna feed points.

9. The dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein each of the plurality of circuit cards is coupled to the subset of the plurality of antenna feeding sections located in the plurality of first divided waveguides of one of the plurality of parallel-plate polarizers and in the respective waveguides of the plurality of second divided waveguides.

10. The dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein each of the plurality of circuit cards comprises a plurality of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) (1820) and a plurality of digital-to-analog converters (DACs) (1820), and each of the plurality of ADCs and the plurality of DACs is coupled to one or more of the plurality of antenna feeding units.

11. A first waveguide power supply network (1210-a) is coupled between a first common port (810-a) and the plurality of first divided waveguides, The dual-polarization antenna array according to claim 2, further comprising a second common port (810-b) and a second waveguide-fed network (1210-b) coupled between the plurality of second divided waveguides.

12. The aforementioned dual-polarization antenna array is The dual-polarization antenna array according to claim 11, comprising a plurality of parallel assemblies (804), each parallel assembly comprising a stepped septum from each of the plurality of parallel plate polarizers and at least a portion of a combiner / distributor of the first waveguide-fed network or the second waveguide-fed network.

13. The aforementioned dual-polarization antenna array is A plurality of first plates (1010) including the upper and lower plates of the plurality of parallel plate polarizers, wherein each of the plurality of first plates has a slot along its first edge, A dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of claims 2 to 12, comprising a plurality of second plates (1020), each of the plurality of second plates comprising a stepped septum from a plurality of rows of the plurality of parallel plate polarizers, and each of the plurality of second plates being inserted into the slots of the plurality of first plates.

14. The dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the parallel-plate polarizer is constructed using an additive manufacturing technique.

15. A dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first polarization is a first circular polarization and the second polarization is a second circular polarization.

16. A dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first polarization is a first linear polarization and the second polarization is a second linear polarization.

17. The dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a plurality of dielectric inserts (375) located at least partially in the transition regions (360) of the plurality of step-shaped septums.

18. The dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the transition region for each of the stepped septums has a length in the axial direction (322) perpendicular to the plane of the aperture of the dual-polarization antenna array that is smaller than the wavelength of the carrier frequency of the dual-polarization antenna array.

19. The dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein one of the plurality of first divided waveguides shares a first stepped septum (305-b) with one of the adjacent second divided waveguides and shares a second stepped septum (310-b) with the other of the adjacent second divided waveguides.

20. The dual-polarization antenna array according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the set of the first stepped septum and the set of the second stepped septum are interleaved along a direction (324) parallel to the upper plate and the lower plate.

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