Quick Product Info:

Applications:

A range of models is currently available operating in frequency bands up to 140 GHz suitable for linear, dual and circular polarisation applications fitted with rectangular or circular feed. An Ortho Mode Transducer (OMT) may be fitted to extend system capacity.

Lens Horns are available in five different ranges:

Some variation in construction can be accommodated to suit specific applications, production quantities and cost constrains.

A range of optional mounting configurations are available to suit most applications. Apertures are fitted with a hydrophobic membrane which ensures effective weatherproofing and reliable operation in arduous conditions.

Lens Horns offer the many mechanical and microwave performance advantages over alternative designs.

Advantages include:

REDUCED APERTURE SIZE - The nominal aperture size of a parabola is 25% larger than a Lens Horn Antenna (LHA) for the same gain/bandwidth. The advantageous reduction in size is due to the high illumination efficiency of the lens.

NO BACK SPILL - Since energy is not directed rearward the edge, spill-over does not occur in a LHA as is the case with a parabola.  To direct all the radiated energy forward with the same efficiency a parabola would need to be larger. Achievement of equivalent back spill performance by a parabola requires side skirts and absorbing material lining.

SUPERIOR BORESIGHT CROSS POLARISATION - The axial symmetry of a LHA, together with the lack of beam distortions due to feed waveguides on supports, ensures superior cross polar characteristics.

MORE SUITED TO COMPACT INTEGRATED PACKAGES - The conical shape of a LHA permits circuit boards, etc. to be built around the flare. The microwave TX/RX assembly is then very accessible for servicing.

SUPERIOR SIDE LOBE PERFORMANCE - Energy from a parabola that is scattered due to reflective surface imperfections, feed supports, feed structure and back scatter manifest themselves in increased side lobe levels.  In a LHA performance is primarily controlled by the accuracy of a precision, computer controlled, machined component made to an exacting microwave design. Flann's "Standard" LHA's have the inherent improved side lobe performance compared to parabolas. For more demanding applications our range of "High Performance" antennas have a further 6 dB improvement in side lobe levels.

MORE RESISTANT TO ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE - The parabola has three critical areas of damage susceptibility - the reflector dish, the feed structure, the precise positioning of the feed structure relative to the dish.  The reflective surface is exposed to the environment and the mounting supports are frequently attached to the dish contour. Careless or accidental damage caused during mounting can ruin the parabolic antenna's performance. A LHA has that enormous structural rigidity inherent in a cone, furthermore denting of this cone will have minimal effect on performance, except close to the neck, since it is not a critical reflective surface. The cone function is to give a highly stable support for the lens and to contain any minor internal reflected energy.

LESS WIND RESISTANCE - When compared to a parabola, with its typical skirt, a LHA has a silhouette 1/3rd smaller; its conical shape is naturally more aerodynamic.

REDUCES TOWER COSTS - With lower wind resistance an obvious economy to tower costs is easily apparent.  The smaller size and absence of back spill permits dense packing of antenna clusters with obvious advantages.

ENVIRONMENTALLY MORE ACCEPTABLE - The smaller silhouette, for a given gain, means that a LHA is slightly less obtrusive. In some specific cases, such as our 22 GHz 250mm diameter LHA, this obviates the requirement for UK planning consent prior to installation, a significant factor smoothing speed of applications.

LESS EXPENSIVE - Lens Horn Antennas are significantly less expensive than parabolas of similar performance and are ideally suited to both low and high volume applications.