Patent Publication Number: US-11038273-B1

Title: Electronically scanning antenna assembly

Description:
FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to antenna assemblies, such as wideband electronically scanning antenna assemblies. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     An antenna typically includes an array of conductors electrically connected to a receiver or a transmitter. The transmitter provides an electric current to terminals of the antenna, which in response radiates electromagnetic waves. Alternatively, as radio waves are received by the antenna, an electrical current is generated at the terminals, which in turn is applied to the receiver. Various types of known antennas are configured to transmit and receive radio waves with a reciprocal behavior. 
     In some aerospace applications, there is a need for antennas that are capable of being positioned on conformal or non-planar surfaces, such as wings and fuselages of aircraft. Small aircraft, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones, in particular, have surfaces with low radii of curvature. Such aircraft typically need light weight antennas with low aerodynamic drag and low visibility. Further, various surfaces of aircraft may be formed from conductive or carbon fiber materials, which are known to change the electrical behavior of antennas, such as monopole and dipole antennas and derivatives (for example, whip, blade, Yagi, and other such antennas). 
     Dish antennas are relatively large and may not be easily steerable. Certain dish antennas are coupled to gimbals, which allow for steering. However, dish antennas may be too large and bulky to be used with certain aircraft. For example, various dish antennas add substantial weight to aircraft, thereby reducing fuel efficiency. Further, the dish antennas may increase aerodynamic drag, due to their size and shape, which further reduces fuel efficiency and may also affect aircraft maneuverability. 
     As another example, certain antennas include relatively heavy and bulky slotted copper waveguide pipes, which form an aperture section of an electronically scanning antenna array system. Again though, the weight, size, and shape of such antennas may not be well-suited for aeronautical and aerospace applications, as such antennas may undesirably affect fuel efficiency and maneuverability. Further, the process of manufacturing such antennas is typically complex. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A need exists for a compact and lightweight antenna assembly. Further, a need exists for an electronically steerable antenna assembly that can be effectively used with vehicles without reducing fuel efficiency and/or maneuverability. 
     With those needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an antenna assembly that includes a base including one or more feed transitions, a support panel (such as a non-metallic support panel) separated from the base, a patch (such as a metallic patch) secured to the support panel, and one or more T-shaped probes (such as metallic T-shaped probes) that couple the feed transition(s) to the patch. The T-shaped probe(s) are separated from the patch. In at least one embodiment, the T-shaped probe(s) are separated from the support panel by a feed gap. 
     In at least one embodiment, the base, the support panel, and/or the patch are formed from one or more portions of one or more circuit boards. 
     In at least one embodiment, outer perimeter walls are disposed between the base and the support panel. An internal cavity (such as an internal metallic cavity) is defined between the outer perimeter walls, the base, and the support panel. The T-shaped probe(s) are disposed within the internal cavity. The outer perimeter walls may be formed from one or more portions of one or more circuit boards. 
     In at least one embodiment, one or more inner cross walls (such as non-metallic inner cross walls) are within the internal cavity. The T-shaped probe(s) are supported by the inner cross wall(s). 
     For example, the feed transitions include a first feed transition and a second feed transition. The T-shaped probes include a first T-shaped probe, a second T-shaped probe, a third T-shaped probe, and a fourth T-shaped probe. The inner cross walls include a first inner cross wall, a second inner cross wall, a third inner cross wall, and a fourth inner cross wall. The first T-shaped probe is connected to the first feed transition and the first inner cross wall. The second T-shaped probe is connected to the first feed transition and the second inner cross wall. The third T-shaped probe is connected to the second feed transition and the third inner cross wall. The fourth T-shaped probe is connected to the second feed transition and the fourth inner cross wall. The first inner cross wall may be parallel to the second inner cross wall. The third inner cross wall may be parallel to the fourth inner cross wall. The first and second inner cross walls may be orthogonal to the third and fourth inner cross walls. 
     In at least one embodiment, the patch is a microstrip patch supported on an upper surface of the support panel. 
     In at least one embodiment, the antenna assembly also includes a frame defining an internal opening. The the frame is coupled to the support panel. The frame may be formed from one or more portions of one or more circuit boards. 
     In at least one embodiment, the antenna assembly also includes one or more feed lines coupled to the base and connected to the one or more feed transitions. One or more vias extend through the base proximate to the feed line(s). 
     In at least one embodiment, the T-shaped probes include a foot secured within one of the feed transitions(s), an extension body connected to the foot, and an expanded head connected to the extension body opposite from the foot. 
     Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of forming an antenna assembly. The method includes providing a base including one or more feed transitions; separating a support panel from the base; securing a patch to the support panel; and coupling one or more T-shaped probes to the feed transition(s) and the patch. Said coupling includes separating the T-shaped probe(s) from the patch. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic block diagram of an antenna assembly coupled to electronics, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective top view of the antenna assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of the antenna assembly of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an end view of the antenna assembly of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective top view of a feed transition within a base of the antenna assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a front view of a probe in relation to a support panel and a patch, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of an antenna array including a plurality of interconnected antenna assemblies, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective front view of an aircraft. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a flow chart of a method of forming an antenna assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded by the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not necessarily excluding the plural of the elements or steps. Further, references to “one embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional elements not having that property. 
     Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an antenna assembly, such as an electronically scanning antenna assembly. In at least one embodiment, the antenna assembly is formed of circuit board sections. A top section includes a layer of dielectric substrate that supports a patch, such as a microstrip patch, a square ring slot hybrid radiator, and a tuning square ring. A bottom section contains a metallic cavity formed by sidewalls. Cross walls support feed probes. A grounded dual layered dielectric substrate has an embedded stripline. The cavity suppresses backward radiation and reduces undesired mutual coupling with neighboring antenna elements. It has been found that such an antenna assembly exhibits improved radio frequency performance over bandwidth, has an ability to scan to at least sixty degrees from array broadside without onset of grating lobes, and provides dual linear polarizations and basis for circular polarizations. 
     Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an antenna assembly that is well suited for use with vehicles, such as aircraft. The antenna assembly allows for transmission and reception of radio frequency signals with an agile electronically scanning antenna array beam. In at least one embodiment, the antenna assembly has no moving parts. The antenna assembly can be used in radar and sensor systems, as well as other application including communications and electronic warfare. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a low-cost antenna assembly that is lightweight and has a low profile. In at least one embodiment, the antenna assembly is formed of lightweight and low-profile circuit board sections, which substantially reduce a weight and thickness of the antenna assembly, while at the same time maintaining desired performance. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an antenna assembly including one or more T-shaped probes that coupled a feed transition of a base to a patch secured to a support panel. The T-shaped probe(s) is/are disposed within an internal cavity of the antenna assembly. In at least one embodiment, a frame defining an internal opening is secured to the support panel, such as to below or over the support panel. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic block diagram of an antenna assembly  100  coupled to electronics  102 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronics  102  allow a collimated beam, such as a radio frequency beam, to be steered or otherwise pointed from the antenna assembly  100  at desired directions. In at least one embodiment, the beam is steered from the antenna assembly  100 , such as via the electronics  102 , without any moving parts (such as a gimbal). The electronics  102  are programmed and configured to point the beam at various desired directions. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective top view of the antenna assembly  100 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of clarity, various components of the antenna assembly  100  are shown transparent in order for internal components to be seen. In at least one embodiment, the antenna assembly  100  includes components that are formed from at least portions of circuit boards. The antenna assembly  100  includes a base  104 , which may be formed of one or more circuit boards, circuit board materials, and/or sections or portions of circuit boards. For example, the base  104  includes a first dielectric layer  106  that supports a second dielectric layer  108 . That is, the second dielectric layer  108  overlays the first dielectric layer  106 . Optionally, the base  104  may include more or less dielectric layers. For example, the base  104  can include only the first dielectric layer  106 . As another example, the base  104  can include three or more dielectric layers. In at least one embodiment, the base  104  provides a ground plane for the antenna assembly  100 . 
     Outer perimeter walls  110  extend from the base  104 . As an example, the outer perimeter walls  110  include lateral walls  110   a  and  110   b  connected to end walls  110   c  and  110   d . As shown, the lateral walls  110   a  and  110   b  and the end walls  110   c  and  110   d  upwardly extend from the base  104 , thereby forming an internal cavity  112  therebetween. In at least one embodiment, the outer perimeter walls  110  are orthogonal to the base  104 . For example, the base  104  resides in one or more planes that are parallel to an X-Y plane (such as horizontal plane), while the perimeter walls  110  reside in one or more planes that are parallel to a Y-Z plane (such as a vertical plane). 
     As shown, the outer perimeter walls  110  are disposed between the base  104  and a support panel  120 . The internal cavity  112  is defined between the outer perimeter walls  110 , the base  104 , and the support panel  120 . As described herein, one or more T-shaped probes  130  are disposed within the internal cavity  112 . 
     Open spaces within the internal cavity  112  (such as those not occupied by structures, such as a cross wall) can be filled with air or foam, for example. The internal cavity  112  suppresses backward radiation. Further, the internal cavity  112  reduces undesired mutual coupling with neighboring antenna assemblies  100  (shown in  FIG. 7 ). 
     In at least one embodiment, the outer perimeter walls  110  are formed of circuit boards, circuit board materials, and/or sections or portions of circuit boards. For example, the outer perimeter walls  110  are formed of non-etched circuit boards. As shown, the outer perimeter walls  110  provide a box-like perimeter extending from the base  104 . Alternatively, the outer perimeter walls  110  may be sized and shaped differently than shown. For example, the outer perimeter walls  110  may be circular or otherwise arcuate, instead of flat, planar walls. 
     Inner cross walls  114  (such as first inner cross walls) extend from the base  104  within the internal cavity  112  between the lateral walls  110   a  and  110   b . For example, two parallel inner cross walls  114  extend between the lateral walls  110   a  and  110   b . The inner cross walls  114  reside in planes that are parallel to an X-Z plane. Like the outer perimeter walls  110 , the inner cross walls  114  may be formed of circuit boards, circuit board materials, and/or sections or portions of circuit boards. Optionally, the antenna assembly  100  may include more or less inner cross walls  114  than shown. For example, the antenna assembly  100  may include three inner cross walls  114 . As another example, the antenna assembly  100  may include only one inner cross wall  114 . 
     Inner cross walls  116  (such as second inner cross walls) extend from the base  104  within the internal cavity  112  between the end walls  110   c  and  110   d . For example, two parallel inner cross walls  116  extend between the end walls  110   c  and  110   d . The inner cross walls  116  are orthogonal to the inner cross walls  114 . The inner cross walls  116  reside in planes that are parallel to the Y-Z plane. The inner cross walls  116  may be formed of circuit boards, circuit board materials, and/or sections or portions of circuit boards. As shown, the inner cross walls  114  may intersect the inner cross walls  116  proximate to a central axis  118  of the antenna assembly  100 . Optionally, the antenna assembly  100  may include more or less inner cross walls  116  than shown. For example, the antenna assembly  100  may include three inner cross walls  116 . As another example, the antenna assembly  100  may include only one inner cross wall  116 . 
     The support panel  120  (shown transparent) connects to upper edges of the outer perimeter walls  110  opposite from the base  104 . The support panel  120  includes one or more dielectric substrates. In at least one embodiment, the support panel  120  is spaced apart from the base  104  by the outer perimeter walls  110 , and is parallel to the base  104 . For example, the support panel  120  resides in one or more planes that are parallel to the X-Y plane. 
     In at least one embodiment, the support panel  120  is a single dielectric layer. The support panel  120  supports a patch  122 , such as a microstrip patch. For example, the patch  122  is supported on an upper surface of the support panel  120 . 
     A frame  123  is coupled to the support panel  120 . For example, the frame  123  extends below and around an outer perimeter of the support panel  120 . The frame  123  may be formed of a metal. The frame  123  defines an internal opening  125  over the support panel  120 . In at least one embodiment, the patch  122  is disposed within the internal opening  125 . As shown, the frame  123  provides a ring, such as a square ring, defining the internal opening  125 . In at least one embodiment, the frame  123  provides a cage that defines the internal opening  125  in which the patch  122  may be axially contained, such as within planes than are parallel to the X-Y plane. In at least one embodiment, the frame  123  may be formed of at least portions of a circuit board. 
     Optionally, the frame  123  can be disposed over the outer perimeter of the support panel  120 . Also, optionally, a non-metallic environmental protective coating may be disposed over the antenna assembly  100 . 
     The frame  123  provides a tuning mechanism for the patch/slot hybrid radiator formed by the patch  122  and the internal opening  125  (or ring slot). The patch  122  and internal opening  125  provide resonances that are configured to be close to each other in frequency, thereby allowing for an overall wide operating bandwidth. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the antenna assembly  100  includes one or more feed lines  124 , such as the feed lines  124   a  and  124   b , and a plurality of vias  126 . In at least one embodiment, the feed lines  124  are striplines. The feed lines  124  are embedded within the base  104 . Optionally, the feed lines  124  are coupled to an upper surface of the base  104 . The vias  126  extend through the base  104  proximate the feed lines  124   a  and  124   b  (such as on sides of each of the feed lines  124   a  and  124   b ). 
     The feed lines  124  connect to feed transitions  128 , such as feed transitions  128   a  and  128   b . In at least one embodiment, the feed transitions  128  include solder joints that electrically connect to the feed lines  124 , and then the electronics  102 . 
     Probes  130  extend from the feed transitions  128  upwardly toward the patch  122 . As described herein, in at least one embodiment, the probes  130  are T-shaped probes. The probes  130  are disposed within the internal cavity  112 . In at least one embodiment, each probe  130  is supported on an inner cross wall  114  or an inner cross wall  116 . As shown, the antenna assembly  100  includes a first probe  130   a  supported on an inner cross wall  114   a , a second probe  130   b  supported on an inner cross wall  114   b , a third probe  130   c  supported on an inner cross wall  116   a , and a fourth probe  130   d  supported on an inner cross wall  116   b . Optionally, the antenna assembly  100  may include more or less probes  130 . For example, the antenna assembly  100  may include a single probe  130  supported on a single cross wall  114  or  116 . As another example, the antenna assembly  100  may include one probe  130  supported on a cross wall  114 , and another probe supported on a cross wall  116 . 
     In at least one embodiment, the feed transitions  128  include the first feed transition  128   a  and the second feed transition  128   b . The probes  130  (such as T-shaped probes  130 ) include a first T-shaped probe  130   a , a second T-shaped probe  130   b , a third T-shaped probe  130   c , and a fourth T-shaped probe  130   d . The cross walls  114 ,  116  include a first inner cross wall  114   a , a second inner cross wall  114   b , a third inner cross wall  116   a , and a fourth inner cross wall  116   b . The first T-shaped probe  130   a  is connected to the first feed transition  128   a  and the first inner cross wall  114   a . The second T-shaped probe  130   b  is connected to the first feed transition  128   a  and the second inner cross wall  114   b . The third T-shaped probe  130   c  is connected to the second feed transition  128   b  and the third inner cross wall  116   a . The fourth T-shaped probe  130   d  is connected to the second feed transition  128   b  and the fourth inner cross wall  116   b.    
     In at least one embodiment, the first inner cross wall  114   a  is parallel to the second inner cross wall  114   b . The third inner cross wall  116   a  is parallel to the fourth inner cross wall  116   b . The first and second inner cross walls  114   a / 114   b  are orthogonal (for example, perpendicular) to the third and fourth inner cross walls  116   a / 116   b.    
     Each probe  130  includes a foot  132  secured within a feed transition  128 . For example, the foot  132  can be soldered into the feed transition  128 . The foot  132  may be or otherwise include a tab, for example. The foot  132  connects to an extension body  134 , which, in turn, connects to an expanded head  136  (opposite from the foot  132 ), proximate to the support panel  120 , thereby forming a T-shape. 
     The position, length, and shape of the probes  130  and feed transitions  128  are tunable for impedance matching and orthogonal polarization isolation. The frame  123  provides an additional mechanism for tuning of impedance matching and control of mutual coupling with neighboring antenna elements (such as neighboring antenna assemblies  100  within an antenna array  180 , as shown in  FIG. 7 ). In at least one embodiment, the boundary of the antenna assembly  100  and the patch  122  may be square shaped, instead of rectangular, in order to maintain polarization balance and/or optimum axial ratio. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of the antenna assembly  100  of  FIG. 2 . As shown, the antenna assembly  100  includes the feed line  124   a  and the feed line  124   b , which are orthogonal to one another. The feed lines  124   a  and  124   b  couple to the electronics  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and to the probes  130  through the feed transitions  128   a  and  128   b , respectively. Each feed transition  128   a  and  128   b  may support two probes  130 . For example, referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the feet  132  of the probes  130   a  and  130   b  are disposed within the feed transition  128   a , and the feet  132  of the probes  130   c  and  130   d  are disposed within the feed transition  128   b.    
     The dual feed lines  124   a  and  124   b , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , allow for orthogonal polarization of the antenna assembly  100 . Alternatively, the antenna assembly  100  can include just one of the feed lines  124   a  or  124   b  and one or more associated probes  130  to provide a single polarization. 
     Further, as noted, two probes  130  are coupled to each feed transition  128 . By connecting two probes  130  to each feed transition, overall capacitance between the patch  122  and the expanded head  136  below is increased. The capacitance cancels the inductance caused by the feed probe  130  and thus improves antenna impedance matching. Alternatively, each feed transition  128  may connect to only one probe  130 . For example, instead of two cross walls  114 , a single cross wall  114   a  may support a single probe  130   a  that connects to the feed transition  128   a.    
     The vias  126  are shorting vias that are positioned on sides of the feed lines  124   a  and  124   b . The vias  126 , as shorting vias, suppress undesirable parallel plate modes between two ground planes and isolate the feed line  124   a  from the feed line  124   b , and vice versa, as well as provide a quasi-coaxial transition region. The antenna assembly  100  can include more or less vias  126  than shown, as desired. 
     The feed lines  124   a  and  124   b  are shown truncated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The feed lines  124   a  and  124   b  are configured to connect or otherwise couple to supporting electronics, such as amplifiers and power distribution circuits of neighboring antenna assemblies  100  (shown in  FIG. 7 ). 
     In at least one embodiment, the horizontal dimensions (that is, with respect to the X-Y plane) may be chosen to meet desired scan angle requirements over a frequency band. In at least one embodiment, antenna assemblies  100  within an antenna array  180  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) may have dimensions relative to wavelength at a highest operating frequency (depending on maximum beam scan angle requirements in elevation and azimuth), height of the internal cavity  112  and thicknesses of the base  104  and the support panel  120 . 
     The base  104 , the perimeter walls  110 , the cross walls  114 , and the cross walls  116  form a crate structure in an array setting. In at least one embodiment, the top section (including the support panel  120 , the patch  122 , and the frame  123 ) is fabricated separately from the bottom section (including the base  104 , the perimeter walls  110 , the cross walls  114 , and the cross walls  116 ). The top and bottom sections may be bonded together during final assembly. Other methods of formation include using direct write technologies, bent/wrapped printed circuit boards, and flex circuit boards conformal to surfaces of structures, such as of vehicles. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an end view of the antenna assembly  100  of  FIG. 2 . The patch  122  is hidden from view in  FIG. 4 , as the patch  122  may be axially contained within the internal opening  125  of the frame  123  (as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). 
     The foot  132  of the probe  130  (such as the probe  130   a , shown in  FIG. 2 ) connects to the extension body  134 , which, in turn, connects to the expanded head  136 . The expanded head  136  is proximate to the support panel  120 , but may be offset from a lower surface  121  of support panel  120  by a feed gap (shown in  FIG. 6 ). 
     The expanded head  136  includes lateral extensions  138  that outwardly and laterally extend from the extension body  134 . The extension body  134  has a longitudinal axis  140  that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis  142  of the expanded head  136 , thereby providing the probe  130  with a T shape. 
     The antenna assembly  100  has a thickness  111 . As one example, the thickness  111  is approximately 0.2 wavelengths in free space at midband frequency. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective top view of the feed transition  128  within the base  104  of the antenna assembly  100 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The feet  132  of the probes  130  are disposed within a central channel  150  of the feed transition  128 , and may be secured therein by solder. As such, the feed transition  128  may include a solder plug that securely couples the probes  130  to the feed transition  128 . 
     The feed line  124  can be positioned over the base  104 . Optionally, the feed line  124  can be embedded within the base  104 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the feed transition  128  may include three copper pads  151 ,  153 , and  155  radially extending from a central barrel  157 . The pad  151  may reside within a first passage  161  (such as a cutout) formed within the base  104 , and the pad  155  may reside within a second passage  163  (such as a cutout) formed within the base  104 . The pads  151 ,  153 , and  155 , and the passages  161  and  163  are sized and shaped to yield a desired impedance matching over an operating frequency band. 
     The feed line  124  can be a stripline. A width  173  of the feed line  124  may be selected to provide a  50 ,  75 ,  100 , or the like Ohm characteristic impedance. The feed line  124  extends and connects to the feed transition  128  and may be soldered to the feed transition  128 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a front view of the probe  130  in relation to the support panel  120  and the patch  122 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the patch  122  may be supported on a first surface  160  (for example, a top surface, as shown in  FIG. 6 ) of the support panel  120 . The expanded head  136  of the probe  130  is proximate to an opposite second surface  162  (for example, a bottom surface, as shown in  FIG. 6 ). The second surface  162  is opposite from the patch  122 . 
     The expanded head  136  of the probe  130  is offset or otherwise separated from the support panel  120  by a feed gap  170 . Alternatively, the expanded head  136  may connect to the second surface  162  of the support panel  120 . 
     A thickness  127  for the support panel  120  is selected, as desired, and the size of the expanded head  136  and magnitude of the feed gap  170  is configured to provide sufficient capacitance to cancel inductance introduced by the feed probe  130 . The T shape of the probe  130  provides balance between generating sufficient capacitance for impedance matching, while maintaining isolation with other orthogonal probes over an operating frequency band. The capacitive coupling between the probe  130  and the patch  122  eliminates, minimizes, or otherwise reduces a need to solder at the expanded head  136  during fabrication and/or formation of the antenna assembly  100 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of an antenna array  180  including a plurality of interconnected antenna assemblies  100 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Each antenna assembly  100  forms a unit cell in a periodic array. The antenna array  180  can include more or less antenna assemblies  100  than shown. 
     As shown, the antenna assemblies  100  may form identical unit cells in the antenna array  180 . A feed distribution network and supporting electronics such as amplifiers are not shown, for clarity. The configuration of the antenna array  180  shown in  FIG. 7  is optimized for one-dimensional scanning from left to right. Optionally, the antenna array  180  may include more or less antenna assemblies  100 , which may be sized and shaped differently than shown. Further, the lattice structure of the antenna array  180  may be different than shown. For example, the lattice structure may be triangular, such as when used for two dimensional scanning. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-7 , certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide the antenna assembly  100 , which includes the base  104  including one or more feed transitions  128 , the support panel  120  separated from the base  104 , the patch  122  secured to the support panel  120 , and one or more T-shaped probes  130  that couple the feed transition(s)  128  to the patch  122 . The T-shaped probe(s)  130  are separated from the patch  122 . For example, the support panel  120  is disposed between the T-shaped probe(s)  130  and the patch  122 . In at least one embodiment, the T-shaped probe(s)  130  are separated from the support panel  120  by the feed gap  170 . In at least one embodiment, the base  104 , the support panel  120 , and/or the patch  122  are formed from one or more portions of one or more circuit boards. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective front view of an aircraft  200 . The aircraft  200  may include one or more antenna assemblies  100  (shown in  FIGS. 1-7 ), as described herein. 
     The aircraft  200  includes a propulsion system  210  that may include two engines  212 , for example. Optionally, the propulsion system  210  may include more engines  212  than shown. The engines  212  are carried by wings  216  of the aircraft  200 . In other embodiments, the engines  212  may be carried by a fuselage  218  and/or an empennage  220 . The empennage  220  may also support horizontal stabilizers  222  and a vertical stabilizer  224 . The wings  216 , the horizontal stabilizers  222 , and the vertical stabilizer  224  may each include one or more control surfaces. 
     Optionally, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with respect to various other structures, such as other vehicles (including automobiles, watercraft, spacecraft, and the like), buildings, appliances, and the like. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a flow chart of a method of forming an antenna assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method includes providing ( 300 ) a base including one or more feed transitions; separating ( 302 ) a support panel from the base; securing ( 304 ) a patch to the support panel; and coupling ( 306 ) one or more T-shaped probes to the one or more feed transitions and the patch. The coupling ( 306 ) includes separating ( 308 ) the one or more T-shaped probes from the patch. 
     In at least one example, the coupling ( 306 ) further includes separating the one or more T-shaped from the support panel by a feed gap. 
     In at least one example, the method also includes forming one or more of the base, the support panel, and the patch from one or more portions of one or more circuit boards. 
     In at least one example, the method also includes disposing outer perimeter walls between the base and the support panel; defining an internal cavity between the outer perimeter walls, the base, and the support panel; and disposing the one or more T-shaped probes within the internal cavity. 
     In at least one example, the method also includes providing one or more inner cross walls within the internal cavity; and supporting the one or more T-shaped probes by the one or more inner cross walls. 
     In at least one example, the method also includes coupling a frame defining an internal opening to the support panel. 
     As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide antenna assemblies that may be formed from lightweight, low-profile portions of circuit boards (such as sections of circuit boards), in contrast to relatively heavy and bulky slotted copper waveguide pipes. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide low-profile and lightweight antenna assemblies. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure provide electronically steerable antenna assemblies that can be effectively used with vehicles without reducing fuel efficiency and/or maneuverability. Also, embodiments of the present disclosure provide antenna assemblies that may be efficiently and effectively manufactured, in contrast to complex antennas having slotted copper waveguide pipes, which are typically formed through complex manufacturing processes. 
     While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like. 
     As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is “configured to” perform a task or operation is particularly structurally formed, constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For purposes of clarity and the avoidance of doubt, an object that is merely capable of being modified to perform the task or operation is not “configured to” perform the task or operation as used herein. 
     It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the disclosure without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the disclosure, the embodiments are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the various embodiments of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.