A low-profile, broadband balun feed

A low-profile balun approach is described which is a modified version of the proven exponential tapered balun, capturing its inherent broadband, low-cost characteristics in a compact package. This approach provides a broadband antenna with coaxial connectors suitable for low-profile skin mounting. It may also be used with conventional cavity-backed antennas. Implementation methods apply to single- and dual-polarized apertures. Hardware design configurations and preliminary test data voltage standing wave ratios are given.<>