Efficient Transition Hybrid Two-Layer Feed Network: Polarization Diversity in a Satellite Transceiver Array Antenna

Abstract

In this article, an efficient solution for the development of a new class of two-layer microstrip patch antenna (MPA) with orthogonal polarization ports, based on substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) through an aperture coupling technique, is presented. Applying the SIW feeding network and aperture coupling to feed the MPA reduces the losses resulting from the feeding circuit and gives a more compact and efficient system. The proposed 4 × 4 array consists of two stacked layers, including an SIW layer as a feeding network and one layer as an antenna layer. The main design feature is the dual orthogonal port to generate different linear polarizations (LPs) (horizontal, vertical, 45°, and 135°). Each layer can be easily fabricated by a single layered printed circuit board (PCB) technology, and then PCB laminates are fixed together using screws. The measured -10-dB impedance bandwidth spans from 9.25 to 10.2 GHz (9.76%). The maximum measured gain at 9.9 GHz is 18.2 dB. The peak radiation efficiency is 84%. The proposed dual orthogonal port antenna exhibits low cost, ease of design, lightweight, high efficiency, and compactness, which makes it a suitable candidate for the polarization diversity in a transceiver for Earth-station applications.