US4777456A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Microwave attenuator
Assignee: Raytheon Co
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Filing: 1987-08-10
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Granted: 1988-10-11
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Expires: 2007-08-10
Abstract
Abstract A high performance, low cost variable attenuator is disclosed with minimal size and weight requirements. The variable microwave attenuator of the present invention includes a microwave stripline transmission line connecting the input and the output thereof; first and second ground planes are disposed on opposite sides of the transmission line; and a dielectric card having a metallization pattern is disposed on at least a portion thereof. The card is adapted for variable interposition between the transmission line and the first ground plane to provide variable attenuation of microwave energy. A specific teaching of the invention relates to the design of the metallization pattern to provide vernier attenuation.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles P. Andrikian
- 👤 James K. Shimizu
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 04:28
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01P; H01P1/00; H01P1/22; H01P1/227
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
85 words
An improved variable microwave attenuator comprising: input means, output means and a microwave stripline transmission line connected therebetween; first and second ground planes disposed on opposite sides of said transmission line; and a dielectric card having a longitudinal axis and a metallization pattern, inverted and V-shaped with respect to said longitudinal axis, disposed on at least a portion of said card, said card being sandwiched between said transmission line and said first ground plane and being adapted for variable interposition therebetween, along said longitudinal axis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
85 words
An improved variable microwave attenuator comprising: input means, output means and a microwave stripline transmission line connected therebetween; first and second ground planes disposed on opposite sides of said transmission line; and a dielectric card having a longitudinal axis and a metallization pattern, inverted and V-shaped with respect to said longitudinal axis, disposed on at least a portion of said card, said card being sandwiched between said transmission line and said first ground plane and being adapted for variable interposition therebetween, along said longitudinal axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The improved variable microwave attenuator of claim 1 wherein said first and second ground planes each include a dielectric board having a planar microwave conductor on one side thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The improved variable microwave attenuator of claim 2 wherein the dielectric board of each ground plane includes a dielectric between the planar conductor and the transmission line.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The improved variable microwave attenuator of claim 3 wherein said transmission line is disposed on the dielectric side of the dielectric board of the second ground plane.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The improved variable microwave attenuator of claim 4 wherein the metallization pattern of said dielectric card is a thin film layer of nichrome.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The improved variable microwave attenuator of claim 5 wherein said dielectric card has a low loss substrate of epoxy glass composition.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The improved variable microwave attenuator of claim 6 wherein said planar microwave conductors are copper.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The improved variable microwave attenuator of claim 7 including a housing and said input means and output means are microwave connectors.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The improved variable microwave attenuator of claim 1 wherein said metallization pattern has a protective coating.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-10-11 | 1992-04-11 | 1992-10-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-10-11 | 1996-04-11 | 1996-10-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-10-11 | 2000-04-11 | 2000-10-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |