Evolution of SKALA (SKALA-2), the log-periodic array antenna for the SKA-low instrument

Abstract

In this paper we present the recent advances on the design of SKALA, the log-periodic antenna chosen for the SKA-low instrument. After several years of development, SKALA has being upgraded to meet the demanding SKA-low requirements. Mechanical upgrades on the antenna were critical in order to meet the requirements for deployability, environmental specifications, etc. EM simulations are key to the understanding of the effects on the telescope performance of all of these upgrades. We discuss the trade offs and the solutions proposed to maintain or exceed the performance achieved with SKALA-1.