Active Phased-Array Antennas for Ka/K Mobile Satellite Communications

Abstract

This paper presents the measured results of two sub-arrays for mobile satellite communication systems operating in Ka (Tx) and K (Rx) bands. A 4 × 2 Ka-band (30 GHz) circularly polarized active phased-array antenna is fabricated and tested for different steering angles. Measurements show a high purity right hand circularly polarized (RHCP) radiation pattern over the elevation angle range 0° -±25 ° with axial ratio ≤1.1 dB. Furthermore, a 4 × 1 (20 GHz) dual fed active phased-array antenna is designed and tested. It shows a RHCP radiation pattern with high cross-polarization discrimination ≥27 dB (> 0.7 dB AR) over the elevation range 0° -±25°.