Design of a dual-polarized aperture array for 6–18 GHz applications

Abstract

A dual-polarized aperture array for 6–18 GHz applications is presented in this paper. Wide aperture is used as the array element owing to its simple structure, low-profile and broadband operation. The array elements are combined in a 2 × 2 arrangement to improve the pattern consistency in both polarizations. A metallic stub is placed at 45° between the orthogonal feeding structures to improve the port-to-port isolation, which improves the radiation efficiency in the low frequency band significantly. A corrugated reflector is proposed to replace traditional plane reflector for suppressing the parallel-plate mode, which improve the radiation patterns in the high frequency range. A prototype array with a compact size of 120 mm × 120 mm × 8.25 mm is fabricated. Simulated and measured reflection coefficients are mostly below −10 dB in the frequency range of 6–18 GHz. The radiation patterns are also well behaved with a realized gain ranging from 6.5 dBi to 15.4 dBi. This array is potentially useful for spectrum monitor, data transmission, and electronic warfare on compact airborne platforms.