Mi-Wave · Horn Lens Antennas
258 Series Lens Antennas
High-gain directional millimeter-wave antennas from 8.2 GHz to 170 GHz
The Mi-Wave 258 series horn lens antenna pairs a circular scalar feed horn with a plano-convex lens. The lens corrects the phase front, producing a narrow, efficient beam with low sidelobes and near-identical E-plane and H-plane patterns. The family runs from X-band to D-band (8.2 GHz to 170 GHz) in 3 to 12 inch apertures with gain up to 48 dBi. Engineers pick it when they need reflector-class gain and a clean beam without the alignment work of a reflector system: millimeter-wave labs, satellite links, radar testing and antenna ranges.
Overview
The Mi-Wave 258 series horn lens antenna combines a horn with a dielectric lens in an aluminum or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) housing that stands up to handling and weather. A circular scalar feed horn illuminates a plano-convex lens; the lens flattens the wavefront so the E-plane and H-plane amplitude patterns come out almost the same, and the pattern stays stable and symmetric across the band. The family spans 11 bands from X-band (8.2 GHz) to D-band (170 GHz) in four apertures, 3, 6, 9 and 12 inches, with gain from 26 dBi to 48 dBi and 3 dB beamwidths from 0.46 to 6.5 degrees; every model holds VSWR at or below 1.5:1. When you specify one, choose the band, then the aperture for the gain you need, then the circular waveguide inside diameter that matches your sub-band, since each band offers several. Typical uses are satellite ground stations, radar cross section (RCS) testing, antenna range calibration, millimeter-wave research and EMC testing. Mi-Wave also builds custom bands, gain levels and mechanical interfaces on request.
Key specifications
| Series | 258 series (258X / 258Ku / 258K / 258A / 258B / 258U / 258V / 258E / 258W / 258F / 258D) |
|---|---|
| Frequency range | 8.2 GHz to 170 GHz (X-band to D-band; the factory standard model table reaches 160 GHz) |
| Aperture | 3, 6, 9 or 12 inches |
| Gain | 26 dBi to 48 dBi (depends on band and aperture) |
| 3 dB beamwidth | 0.46 to 6.5 degrees (depends on band and aperture) |
| VSWR | 1.5:1 (all models) |
| Feed interface | Circular waveguide, standard flange (UG-39/U, UG-419/U, UG-595/U or UG-425/U, UG-599/U or UG-381/U, UG-383/U, UG-383/U-M, UG-385/U, UG-387/U, UG-387/U-M, by band) |
| Polarization | Linear (single polarization standard) |
| Housing | Aluminum or HDPE (high-density polyethylene) |
| Test temperature | +25 °C (standard test condition) |
| W-band 12 inch gain | 45 dBi (75 to 110 GHz, model 258W-12) |
| E-band 6 inch gain | 37 dBi at 1.8 degree 3 dB beamwidth (60 to 90 GHz, model 258E-6) |
Features
Very wide band coverage
One family spans 11 microwave and millimeter-wave bands from 8.2 GHz to 170 GHz, so you choose by application without moving to a different antenna platform.
High gain, narrow beam
Gain reaches 48 dBi and the 3 dB beamwidth narrows to 0.46 degrees, for radar testing and satellite links where pointing accuracy and energy concentration matter.
Symmetric pattern
The scalar feed horn and plano-convex lens keep the E-plane and H-plane amplitude patterns closely matched with low sidelobes, which antenna ranges and EMC labs depend on.
Flexible configuration
Four apertures from 3 to 12 inches, and for each band a choice of circular waveguide inside diameters (W-band offers four, 0.082" to 0.125") for exact sub-band coverage.
Sturdy mechanical build
Aluminum or HDPE housings keep the antenna light and durable; standard UG flanges connect straight to existing waveguide runs.
Custom designs on request
Mi-Wave can tailor band, gain, lens type, polarization and mechanical interface for aerospace, defense and special millimeter-wave research needs.
Typical applications
Antenna measurement
Antenna gain calibration and radiation pattern measurement
On an antenna measurement range the 258 series lens antenna acts as the reference feed. Its narrow beam and low sidelobes give a clean, stable illumination, so engineers can measure gain, pattern and cross-polarization of the antenna under test without stray radiation contaminating the result.
Aerospace and defense
Radar cross section (RCS) and electronic warfare system evaluation
In a compact range quiet zone or an outdoor RCS facility, the 258 series focuses millimeter-wave energy on the target with a uniform plane-wave illumination. It is used to characterize scattering from airframes, missile seekers and EW components, covering defense-grade measurement needs from Ka-band to W-band.
R&D laboratory
Millimeter-wave material characterization and imaging research
Materials science and terahertz labs use the 258 series to focus millimeter-wave energy on a sample for transmission loss, dielectric constant and non-destructive imaging (NDI) experiments. The high gain and low sidelobes reduce multipath reflections and improve measurement accuracy.
Options and configuration
Tick the options you need; we compile the list and carry it into the quote form.
Band and model
Flange interface
Housing material
Downloads
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