Low-Cost and Low-Profile Phased Array Antenna for Satellite Reception Using Optimized Tracking Algorithm

Abstract

In this paper, a stair-planar phased array antenna system for mobile broadcast satellite reception in Ku-band is proposed. The hybrid electromechanical tracking algorithm of this antenna system is designed for properly steering the antenna beam into the target satellite. The antenna sub-array elements are designed by using FR-4 epoxy and RO4003 to reduce the fabrication cost without considerable drop in the array efficiency. The genetic algorithm optimization is used to achieve the optimum values for the element spacing and feed positions, also. This array is fabricated, tested and compared with the simulation results to prove the idea. After that, the selected array is expanded to the main sub-array (2 × 32) and the main antenna array composed of 640 microstrip elements (10 main sub-arrays with 64 elements in each sub-array) with 32.5-dB gain at operating frequency, 11.9 GHz. This system can cover 30°–70° in elevation and 360° in azimuth planes by using the hybrid tracking algorithm to track different target satellites. This system serves as an excellent low-cost and simple candidate for Ku-band satellite reception in steady and smoothly moving platforms such as trains.