Antennas for Communications
Radome Network
High Performance Dielectric Radomes

Not commonly known to most engineers, radome transmission loss is composed of the insertion loss from the RF signal passing through the radome wall and from the scattering loss off the panel flange framework. In most cases, the scattering loss from the framework is several times greater than the wall insertion loss.

Transmission Loss Improvements by Adding Impedance Matching Circuits to Reduce Framework Scattering at C-band.

To reduce scattering loss, AFC engineers pioneered a technique known as impedance matching to "tune out" framework scattering loss. RF circuit elements are laminated into the dielectric flanges to impedance match scattering loss. Any of the six radome technology types may be impedance matched.

To enhance radome RF performance, a filter design process implements a stronger structure at maximum rated wind speed with improved RF operation. This filter, made real by one of the six dielectric radome technology types, determines that our radomes have appropriate structural safety factors for the lifetime of the radome. It is for this reason that AFC defines radome structural safety by a General Buckling criterion based on the geometric deformation of the radome shell, which defines a catastrophic failure wind speed.

The superior performance and advantages of  AFC's radome technology are evident in the worldwide Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS, WGS, MET, GBS, MILSTAR, SBIRS), weather satellite and radar, air surveillance radar and Satcom Communications applications.

Four of the six DSF radome types are:

TM	SL	2L	SFC
The thin membrane wall  radome where adjacent panel flanges carry all the wind loads.	The solid laminate wall radome.	Adding a layer of foam to the inside thin membrane wall radome forms a 2-layer sandwich wall radome. Foam thickness is chosen primarily for thermal insulation objectives.	The composite 3-layer sandwich foam core wall radome. Core thickness is chosen for the highest RF signal frequency and thermal insulation.

For AFC's Product Catalog, email catalog@afcsat.com or request an AFC's Catalog now. For sales inquires or for general information, email AFC's departments sales@afcsat.com, info@afcsat.com or write or telephone AFC directly. Customer or technical support may reached at support@afcsat.com.

AFC manufactures, markets and sells worldwide satellite dish antennas, conical horn antennas, radomes, antenna feeds, microwave and waveguide components, ultra low loss waveguide transmission line Tallguide ®, and custom shelters. Our customers serve the satellite, broadcast, communications, radar, weather and cable industry, defense, government, and government agencies worldwide. AFC's quality control manufacturing standards are certified under ISO 9001 : 2015.