Integrated approach for compact high performance reflector antenna feeds

Custom Microwave Inc (CMI), uses a manufacturing technique known as electroforming along with precision microwave design CAD tools to integrate various components of a feed thereby achieving significantly smaller envelopes than is possible when using other manufacturing techniques. This integrated approach eliminates split joints and minimizes flange joints by integrating several components into single piece making it ideal for ultra low Passive Inter-Modulation (PIM) application. This approach also allows for high RF performance and higher power handling capability. A number of high performance feeds that CMI has produced for space application are presented to demonstrate the benefits of this integrated approach.