Non-uniform Feeding Network for a Dual Circularly Polarized 16×16 Ku-Band Antenna Array for On-Move Satellite Communication

Abstract

This paper presents analysis and design of a dual circularly polarized 16×16 Ku band antenna array with emphasis on its feeding network. The proposed antenna is designed for on-move satellite communication system where the radiation pattern and the side-lobe level should meet the ITU standards to avoid interference with other satellite systems. This requirement is obtained by using non-uniform feeding distribution network. In addition, dual circular polarization operation requires sequential feeding networks with appropriate phase shift sequences. The proposed antenna is divided into 16 sub-cells of 4×4 radiating elements. The elements inside the sub-cell are fed by uniform dual sequential feeding networks. These sub-cells are connected together via two non-uniform feeding networks on a single layer in the shape of two interlaced fork configurations. In addition, cascaded power dividers are used to achieve the required low power division ratios between some of the sub-cells according to the required feeding distribution. These modifications simplify the fabrication process of the proposed antenna structure and reduce the required layers while satisfying the required radiation parameters.