Integration of Circularly Polarized Microstrip Slot Array Antenna With Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells

Abstract

This letter describes the integration of microstrip slot array antenna with amorphous silicon solar cells. To appraise the antenna, a 2×2 circularly polarized microstrip slot array antenna integrated with amorphous silicon solar cells using a stacked design method was measured. The results show that the gain of the antenna is almost unchanged after the integration of the amorphous silicon solar cells and the axial ratio decreases to 1.4 dB. The amorphous silicon solar cells and the microstrip slot array antenna are perfectly combined, the interference between the solar cells and the antenna is minimal. The integration saves a lot of space, and has the ability to self-sustaining power generation, thus providing reliable and long-term communication for various satellite communication systems.