High efficiency autotrack feed

A high efficiency autotrack feed series that uses a tracking mode coupler to generate track error signals has been developed. The mode coupler allows the use of a corrugated feed horn in doubly shaped or Cassegrain geometries to achieve extremely high overall antenna efficiencies. The extremely low loss in the mode coupler allows the incorporation of the autotrack function in an antenna system without degradation of the overall G/T or EIRP (effective isotropically radiated power). Another feature of this feed is the very low crosstalk performance, that is the cross coupling of track error signal from azimuth to elevation. Feeds of this type have been designed and built at both S- and C-band frequencies, and an X-band version is currently being designed. Other components, such as filters, amplifiers, and downconverters, have also been integrated into the feed assembly