Patent ID: 7551136

Claim:
A phased array antenna system comprising: a plurality of horn/filter assemblies; a plurality of modules adapted to adjust RF signals provided to the horn/filter assemblies, wherein each of the horn/filter assemblies is mounted on a top surface of a corresponding one of the modules, wherein the modules are adapted to be serviced upon removal of the modules and the horn/filter assemblies from the phased array antenna system; a thermal system adapted to cool the modules, wherein the thermal system comprises a plurality of heat pipes and first and second heat spreader plates, wherein the heat pipes are embedded between the heat spreader plates, wherein the modules are mounted on the first heat spreader plate, wherein the first heat spreader plate corresponds to a first external surface of the thermal system; a plurality of distribution boards associated with the modules and mounted on the second heat spreader plate of the thermal system, wherein the second heat spreader plate corresponds to a second external surface of the thermal system, wherein the second external surface is complementary to the first surface; and a plurality of interconnects associated with the modules and adapted to connect the modules with the distribution boards through the thermal system.