Markus H. Novak

Ultrawideband Antennas for Multiband Satellite Communications at UHF–Ku Frequencies

In space-borne applications, reduction of size, weight, and power can be critical. Pursuant to this goal, we present an ultrawideband, tightly coupled dipole array (TCDA) capable of supporting numerous satellite communication bands, simultaneously. Such antennas enable weight reduction by replacing multiple antennas. In addition, it provides spectral efficiency by reusing intermediate frequencies for inter-satellite communication. For ease of fabrication, the array is initially designed for operation across the UHF, L, S, and lower-C bands (0.6-3.6 GHz), with emphasis on dual-linear polarization, and wide-angle scanning. The array achieves a minimum 6:1 bandwidth for VSWR less than 1.8, 2.4, and 3.1 for 0°, 45°, and 60° scans, respectively. The presented design represents the first practical realization of dual polarizations using a TCDA topology. This is accomplished through a dual-offset, split unit cell with minimized inter-feed coupling. Array simulations are verified with measured results of an 8 × 8 prototype, exhibiting very low cross polarization and near-theoretical gain across the band. Further, we present a TCDA design operating across the upper-S, C, X, and Ku bands (3-18 GHz). The array achieves this 6:1 bandwidth for VSWR <; 2 at broadside, and VSWR <; 2.6 at 45°. A discussion on design and fabrication for low-cost arrays operating at these frequencies is included.

Wideband array for C, X, and Ku-band applications with 5.3∶1 bandwidth

Planar arrays that exploit strong intentional coupling between elements have allowed for very wide bandwidths in low-profile configurations. However, such designs also require complex impedance matching networks that must also be very compact. For many space applications, typically occurring at C-, X-, Ku-, and most recently at Ka-band, such designs require specialized and expensive fabrication techniques. To address this issue, a novel ultra-wideband array is presented, using a simplified feed network to reduce fabrication cost. The array operates from 3.5-18.5 GHz with VSWR<;2.4 at broadside, and is of very low profile, having a total height of λ/10 at the lowest frequency of operation. Validation is provided using a 64-element prototype array, fabricated using common Printed Circuit Board (PCB) technology. The low size, weight, and cost of this array make it attractive for space-borne applications.

Ultra-wideband array in PCB for millimeter-wave 5G and ISM

Next generation 5G mobile architectures will take advantage of the millimeter-wave spectrum to deliver unprecedented bandwidth. Concurrently, there is a need to consolidate numerous disparate allocations into a single, multi-functional array. Existing arrays are either narrow-band, prohibitively expensive or cannot be scaled to these frequencies. In this paper, we present the first ultra-wideband millimeter-wave array to operate across the six 5G and ISM bands spanning 24−71 GHz. Critically, the array is realized using low-cost PCB. The design concept and optimized layout are presented, and fabrication and measurement considerations are discussed.

Low cost ultra-wideband millimeter-wave array

Wideband millimeter-wave arrays are of increasing importance for a growing number of communications or sensing applications. Existing arrays are either narrow-band, prohibitively expensive, or cannot be scaled. In this paper, we present a new class of low-cost ultra-wideband millimeter-wave array operating across the Ka-W bands (26-86 GHz). The proposed design concept and the optimized layout are presented and validated.

Dual polarized Tightly Coupled Dipole Array (TCDA) for UHF to millimeter wave applications

We present a dual polarized Tightly Coupled Dipole Array (TCDA), representing the first practical realization of dual polarizations using a TCDA topology. This is accomplished through a dual-offset, split unit cell with minimized inter-feed coupling. The array achieves a minimum 6.1:1 bandwidth for VSWR<;2.25, 2.5, and 3.9 for 0°, 30°, and 60° scans, respectively. To our knowledge, this implies our design is simultaneously the widest band and widest scanning dual-polarized, conformal array in the literature.

24–71 GHz PCB array for 5G/ISM

Millimeter-wave 5G mobile architectures need to consolidate disparate frequency bands into a single, multifunctional array. Existing arrays are either narrow-band, prohibitively expensive or cannot be scaled to these frequencies. In this paper, we present the first ultra-wideband millimeter-wave array to operate across six 5G and ISM bands spanning 24–71 GHz. Importantly, the array is realized using low-cost PCB. The paper presents the design and optimized layout, and discusses fabrication and measurements.

Error Correction in Ku-Band Phased Array Measurements

Far-field characterization of array antennas can require many sequential measurements. In preparing such measurements, the necessary antenna repositioning and rotation can introduce small displacements. These displacements are not as important at low frequencies, but can be a significant fraction of a wavelength at the Ku-, Ka-, and millimeter-wave bands. Therefore, it is important to correct for them to obtain accurate array measurements. In this letter, we present a mathematical model describing the expected phase response of each antenna element for a given physical offset. This error model is applied to Ku-band measurements of an 8

An ultra-wideband millimeter-wave phased array

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Conformal and Spectrally Agile Ultra Wideband Phased Array Antenna for Communication and Sensing

8 dipole array. It is demonstrated that small movements of the antenna during measurement can be corrected via the proposed post-processing technique.