Analysis and Design of Wideband Phased Arrays for Ku- and Ka-band Satcom Applications

Abstract

Wideband wide-scanning antenna arrays have been gaining popularity in the past decade due to their applicability in multiple fields and applications. Wideband arrays are desired due to their ability to combine multiple functions or services in a single aperture. The need for ultra-wideband capability is often paired to the ability to scan over a large conical region. Wide-scanning arrays enable tracking of multiple targets simultaneously, which can be important for radar systems or for communication systems with multiple users. Especially in satellite communication (Satcom) on-the-move applications, wideband wide-scanning array have a key advantage due to their ability to cover multiple bands in a single package while maintaining agile connections to multiple satellites. This type of array has been demonstrated using various technologies, but most of these use a costly and complex assembly process or have considerable cross-polarization (X-pol). One of the proposed concepts is the connected slot array with artificial dielectric layers (ADLs), which offers the required bandwidths and scanning ranges in a low-volume planar structure. Entire connected arrays can be fabricated on a single board using traditional printed circuit board manufacturing techniques, making them relatively low cost and low complexity…