Hybrid Beamsteering of Ka-Band Array-Fed Reflector Antenna for Satellite Communication Links

Abstract

In this paper we present the design and analysis of Ka band array fed reflector antenna for satellite communication links. The design consists of curved reflector geometry of 0.8 m which is fed with five element linear array antenna operating at 20.2 GHz (Ka band). As satellite applications demand beam-steering with higher gain and narrow beam, we use and analyze electromechanical beam-steering, i.e. electronic and mechanical steering (Hybrid beam-steering), through array fed reflectors. To ensure good scanning capabilities the feed array is configured in horizontal as well as in vertical directions. A 2-D scanning of ±6o is achieved when the feed element is placed horizontally in focal plane whereas ±3o when the feed element is placed vertically in focal plane with the proposed array fed reflector. The proposed antenna maintains a constant performance throughout the scanning range which helps vehicular tracking and many other satellite applications.