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USOO5325105A
[11] [45]
5,325,105
Jun. 28, 1994
Wave-Guide-to-Coaxial-Line Junctions, Proceed ings of the I.R.E., Sep. 1947, pp. 920-926.
[75] Inventors: Justine D. Cermignani, Fort Salonga; Donald Kerbs, E. Northport; John R. Anderson, Brooklyn, all of NY.
[57]
ABSTRACT
An ultra-broadband transverse electromagnetic (TEM) exponential antenna in which the radiating or receiving structure comprises ?rst and second elongated conduc
tors have a feed end comprising ?rst and second narrow
[58]
netic horn antenna. Two TEM horn design embodi ments are described herein and differ only in the lauch
5,081,466
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
The ARRL Antenna Book, Published by the ARRL, Newington, Conn., 15th Edition, 1988, pp. 20-25 to
20-26.
wave into the launching device, either the in?nite balun or the cavity backed waveguide.
Cohn,
Design
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frames, and nondispersive phase properties to maintain waveform ?delity. In accordance with the teachings herein, the present
invention provides an ultra-broadband transverse elec
nentially in the E-plane, thereby providing a double ?ared, exponentially tapered, transverse electromag
netic horn antenna.
An antenna as described herein can function as either
a receiving or transmitting antenna. As a transmitting nite balun as a launching device, while a second em antenna, an impulse function can be utilized as the trans 20 bodiment employs a cavity backed coax-to-waveguide mitted waveform, which results in a theoretically in? transition as a launching device. nite bandwidth for the antenna. In a ?rst preferred embodiment, the input to the ?rst
and second conductors is formed by an in?nite balun which converts an input unbalanced transverse electro form has recently become of interest because the fre 25 magnetic wave into a balanced transverse electromag netic wave. The in?nite balun comprises a ?rst narrow quency spectrum of an impulse waveform has a theoret
which utilize an impulse function as a transmitted wave
ically in?nite bandwidth. An ultra-broad bandwidth results in a radar system with unique capabilities, such
plane conductor which are connected at their outputs respectively to the ?rst and second narrow conductor, as foliage penetration at low frequency wavelengths and high target resolution achieved at high frequency 30 strips at the feed end of the antenna. An input coaxial
wavelengths.
The key components of an impulse function radar
system are the receive and transmit antennas which
require the combined attributes of ultra-broadband fre quency response, high gain for long range target detec tion, high transmit voltage stand-off necessary for han
dling the necessary waveform power in nanosecond
time frames, and nondispersive phase properties to maintain waveform ?delity. The present invention pro
vides a design for a novel ultra-broadband antenna de signed to be used in combination with a parabolic re
The exponential horn antenna of the present inven tion can function as a transmitting antenna which is ?ector, which should provide all of the electrical prop coupled to an input electromagnetic signal, or can func erties described above. tion as a receiving antenna which detects and produces 2. Discussion of the Prior Art 45 an output electromagnetic signal. . The prior art has considered a similar design for a An antenna pursuant to the present invention is TEM horn antenna, but wherein the conductor strips formed by two conductive strips, which can be formed forming the antenna have a linearly expanding ?are, not of sheet metal, which at the feed end are narrow and an exponentially expanding double ?ared design. More parallel and separated by a dielectric having a dielectric
over, the prior art antenna is also not ?ared in both the
H-plane and the E-plane to provide a double ?ared design similar to that of the present invention. The design of an in?nite balun component as de scribed herein is well known in the art, and in?nite baluns have been used with spiral or helix antennas, but 55
not with an ultra-broadband transverse electromagnetic horn antenna similar to that of the present invention.
tially in width in the plane of the magnetic ?eld (H plane) and also ?are exponentially apart in the plane of the electric ?eld (E-plane). The radiation properties of
the antenna are created by a traveling TEM wave origi nating in a standard coaxial connector with an unbal anced ?eld, feeding an in?nite balun which converts the
wave to a balanced TEM ?eld, which is transmitted to a smooth double exponentially ?ared TEM horn an
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present 60 tenna. Unusually broad frequency bandwidths are achieved because of the smooth exponential tapers of electromagnetic exponential horn antenna. the radiating elements and also because of the frequency A further object of the subject invention is the provi independence of the in?nite balun.
Tests on a preferred embodiment have demonstrated
used in combination with a parabolic re?ector, thereby 65 a frequency bandwidth of over 40 to l with a VSWR providing high gain for long range target detection, (voltage standing wave ratio) less than 2 to 1 without high transmit voltage stand-off necessary for handling the use of lossy materials in the design (bandwidth is
the necessary waveform power in nanosecond time
more than 60 to l with a VSWR less than 2.5 to l), and
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a high voltage DC standoff of 4 kilovolts as measured with "HiPot equipment. The antenna preserves the ?delity of the transmitted or received waveform be
independent, thereby producing virtually no phase dis persion. The physical geometry of the smooth transi tions also provides high voltage stand-off capabilities.
The antenna provides virtually no phase dispersion, the high voltage DC stand-off is better than 4 kilovolts, and the pattern directivity at all frequencies is better than
tive E-plane and H-plane patterns for respectively 0.3 GHz (FIG. 7), 4.5 GHz (FIG. 8), 10 GHz (FIG. 9), and 12 GHz (FIG. 10).
FIG. 9 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention for a transverse electromagnetic horn antenna
having a cavity backed waveguide feeding a balanced hom-like radiating aperture which is simultaneously ?ared in both the plane of the electric ?eld (E-plane)
backed waveguide illustrating the electrical connec tions therein and signi?cant design dimensions thereof; FIG. 12 depicts the equivalent electrical network for
the coaxial to waveguide junction of the coaxial con nector and the cavity backed waveguide; and FIG. 13 illustrates plots of the E-plane (y) and H
variety of applications in airborne electronic counter 20 an exponential aperture taper for the embodiment of FIGS. 9-12. measures, such as in jamming wherein it would replace
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 25 Referring to the drawings in detail, FIGS. 1-3 illus trate a ?rst preferred embodiment of the present inven ables, medical electronics, test instrumentation in geo logical surveys, and test antenna instrumentation. Com tion for a transverse electromagnetic horn antenna hav mercial applications include geological surveys con ing a coaxial connector input 10 for an in?nite balun 12 ducted with short pulse airborne radar systems or radi feeding a balanced horn-like radiating aperture 14 ometers which penetrate the earths surface in particu 30 which is simultaneously ?ared in both the plane of the lar frequency bands, and in medical electronics technol electric ?eld (E-plane, which is the ?are of each sheet ogies involving the use of ultra-wideband processing metal conductor 16) and the plane of the magnetic ?eld and/or short pulse waveforms. Low power, short pulse (H-plane, which is the ?are apart of the sheet metal embodiments may be able to supplement CAT scans conductors 16). The radiating elements of the ultra and sonograms, with a resolution possibly better than 35 broadband TEM double ?ared exponential horn an CAT scans or sonograms. tenna form a balanced TEM transmission line (which is an extension of the launching device, in this embodi BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS ment the in?nite balun 12) which gradually separates The foregoing objects and advantages of the present while increasing in width in the orthogonal plane as an
The present invention also has signi?cant applica tions in impulse radar systems, detection of low-observ
invention for an ultra-broadband TEM horn antenna 40 exponential function of distance. The exponential tapers may be more readily understood by one skilled in the art are chosen to produce a slowly increasing characteristic
impedance so that a TEM mode is supported and will be guided into free space which gives the antenna its band width and its dispersionless characteristics. A design wherein like elements are designated by identical refer 45 trade-off between the length of the structure and its ence numerals throughout the several views, and in exponential expansion rate determines the necessary which: aperture size in order to adequately excite the low fre FIG. 1 illustrates a ?rst preferred embodiment of the quencies without truncating its usable frequency band present invention for a transverse electromagnetic horn width, since broadbanding favors a long and gradual antenna having an in?nite balun feeding a balanced 50 taper of this structure. The present invention provides a
with reference being had to the following detailed de scription of several preferred embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
horn-like radiating aperture which is simultaneously ?ared in both the plane of the electric ?eld (E-plane) and the plane of the magnetic ?eld (H-plane);
design for a novel ultra-broadband antenna which can be designed to be used in combination with a parabolic re?ector 19 as illustrated in FIG. 1, which should pro
FIG. 2 depicts a frequency independent, in?nite or vide all of the electrical properties described hereinbe tapered balun which provides a gradual transition from 55 low. The design equations for one preferred exponential coaxial to a balanced cross-section, which converts an aperture taper are presented in FIG. 3, which illustrates
tions for one preferred design of an exponential aperture horn-like radiating aperture; taper. In the interest of limiting the length of the horn, FIG. 3 illustrates plots of the E-plane (y) and H-plane 60 two such tapers with different exponential expansion (x) exponential design equations for one design of an rates were fabricated and tested. The ?rst taper had a exponential aperture taper for the embodiment of length of 21 inches and a maximum separation of 20 FIGS. 1 and 2; inches which was found to have a marginal VSWR FIG. 4 is a plot of the input voltage standing wave performance at the low end of the band (V SWR - 5:1 at ratio (V SWR) versus frequency which shows a VSWR 65 300 MHz). The second version described as a preferred
of less than 2:1 over a 40:1 frequency bandwidth and less than 2.5:l over a 60:1 frequency bandwidth without
embodiment herein was 24 inches long with a maximum
input unbalanced electromagnetic wave to a balanced electromagnetic wave which is an input to the balanced
'5
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The E-plane (y) exponential curve and the H-plane (x) exponential curve follow the equation:
The gap height=0.32 inches. The plate width at the feed=2.4 inches. The horn aperture=34 inches. The horn width=20 inches. The horn length=24 inches.
Radiation occurs in the region of the TEM horn
ratio. The height of the conductor also impacts upon and affects the voltage standoff. Thus the ?nal dimen sions of the in?nite balun involve a number of trade-offs
10
between peak withstanding voltage requirements, sup pression of moding, the highest frequency of operation,
and avoidance of very thin conductors at the output of
the balun. '
where the plates are separated by approximately one half wavelength. Thus the phase center of radiation
moves outwardly from the throat of the horn as the
frequency is decreased.
The radiating mechanism is similar to that which
occurs with a Vivaldi antenna, that is, a traveling TEM
an input voltage standing wave ratio (V SWR) versus frequency characteristic shown in FIG. 4, and radiation characteristics shown in representative E-plane and H-plane patterns depicted in FIG. 5 to FIG. 8.
FIG. 9 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention wherein the radiating structure is fed by a launching device comprising a cavity backed coax-to
frequency of the wave is increased. The width and separation of the plates at the feed point 17 should be identical with the output cross sec tion geometry of the in?nite balun in order to avoid mismatch and to maintain balance.
Ideally, the TEM horn is fed or excited in a balanced mode or manner. In a balanced mode, the voltage on the
tude, but opposite phase (180 degrees) from each other, for any given point in time and equal positions along the
Since the cut-off frequency of the cavity is naturally higher than that of its cascaded ridged waveguide, at the low end of the frequency band the cavity essentially
presents an open circuit in parallel with the coaxial transmission line. Any deviation from the above bal probe so that essentially all the energy is directed along anced condition represents an unbalanced component the ridged waveguide transmission line toward the an 35 of the excitation which is radiative in nature and usually tenna. At the longer wavelengths, step discontinuities manifests itself by radiation in undesirable directions. and short transmission line segments are lower order Accordingly, generation in an unbalanced mode is pre perturbations so that the impedance is almost entirely vented or at least minimized. determined by the transmission line lrdg which is Because the TEM horn is essentially frequency inde designed to match that of the coaxial input cable. Tun pendent in nature, a corresponding frequency indepen ing of the antenna at these frequencies is, therefore, dent in?nite balun 12 was selected as the feeding struc mainly controlled by the shape and size of the radiating ture in the ?rst preferred embodiment. As illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2, the coaxial connector 10 is a standard 50
structure 20",, particularly near the aperture. As the frequency increases, radiation occurs closer to the cav conductor 18 of which is connected to a narrow micro 45 ity since the traveling waves on the exponential TEM
strip conductor 20 of the in?nite balun, and the outer concentric conductor 22 of which is connected to the
transmission line convert to radiating spherical modes sooner. At the higher end of the frequency band, the
details of the ridged waveguide cavity become almost ground plane conductor 24 of the in?nite balun 12. An completely dominant and therefore control the impe in?nite or tapered balun is simply a gradual transition from the coaxial input to a balanced cross section, 50 dance behavior of the antenna. These considerations lead the designer into an iterative design procedure which accomplishes the mode conversion if the transi wherein the low and high ends of the frequency band tion is spread out over a suf?cient portion of a wave are matched by alternately modifying the radiating length at the lowest frequency. The input to the in?nite structure and the waveguide cavity. balun is 50 ohm coaxial and the output is a parallel plate
balanced line. The output can be transformed to any 55
Cohn, Proceedings of the I.R.E., August 1947; and The Design of Ridged Waveguides, by Samuel Hopfer,
I.R.E. Transactions on Microwave Theory and Tech strip cause deviations from TEM with a resultant loss in niques, October 1955. A double ridged waveguide is bandwidth. For this reason, supports 26 having a dielec 65 utilized in the interest of elevation plane symmetry and tric constant as close to air as possible are used. to minimize the TE10 cut-off frequency which broadens The design of an appropriate infinite balun 12 is well the bandwidth by separating the cut-off frequencies for known in the art, and takes into account well known the TE") and TE30 modes. Care is taken to limit the
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8
tapered, transverse electromagnetic horn antenna, and further including a frequency independent tapered balun for converting an input unbalanced
transverse electromagnetic wave to a balanced
the input of the shorted waveguide cavity behind the probe is of opposite sign to that of transmission lines
lrdgc and lrdg so that the net impedance presented to la, is relatively constant with frequency, thus pro
ductor and a second narrow microstrip ground plane conductor parallel to said ?rst narrow micro strip conductor which are connected respectively
to the ?rst and second narrow conductive strips at
viding a mechanism for broadband operation. For the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9-13, the
the feed end of the antenna, wherein said ?rst and second microstrip conductors are separated by a thin dielectric having a dielectric constant substan tially the same as the dielectric constant of air, and further including a coaxial connector which intro
duces an unbalanced transverse electromagnetic
The gap height=0.300 inches The plate width at the feed=2.40 inches.
20
comprising a central conductor and a concentric outer conductor which are connected respectively to the ?rst and second narrow microstrip conduc
The horn length=2l inches. While several embodiments and variations of the
present invention for an ultra-broadband TEM horn antenna are described in detail herein, it should be ap
tors of said tapered balun. 2. An ultra-broadband, transverse electromagnetic, exponential horn antenna as claimed in claim 1, further including a parabolic re?ector having a focal point, and wherein the antenna is positioned substantially at the
parent that the disclosure and teachings of the present invention will suggest many alternative designs to those
skilled in the art.
exponential horn antenna as claimed in claim 2, wherein the antenna comprises a transmitting antenna and is
exponential horn antenna consisting of: ?rst and second elongated conductors having a feed
end at which the ?rst and second conductors com
prise ?rst and second narrow conductive strips, and a radiating or receiving end, with the widths of the ?rst and second elongated conductors expand
50
65
CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION
PATENT NO. 2
DATED 2
I|\1VETT|'OR($) 1
_.~
-
Justine
It is certified that error appears in the above-indentified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby
corrected as shown below:
"he"
should read
"balum"
should
BRUCE LEI-[MAN
Arresting O?icer