Phased array feed for communication satellite antennas

Phased array antennas are attractive for geostationary satellites because of their many advantages. This paper provides an analytical study of a single reflector antenna fed by an array feed composed of radially aligned elements. The antenna is compared with other phased array antennas such as a direct radiating array and a dual reflector antenna. Given the same environments for feeds and subreflectors, the comparison shows that a phased-array-fed single reflector antenna is superior to a dual reflector in wide angle beam scan capability. A manufactured array feed is described and measured radiation properties are shown. Secondary radiation patterns of the array fed reflector antenna calculated using measured array feed radiation patterns are presented. The agreement with original prediction proves the feasibility of the phased-array-fed single reflector antenna and the usefulness of radially aligned feed array elements.

[1]  C. Dragone,et al.  Imaging reflector arrangements to form a scanning beam using a small array , 1979, The Bell System Technical Journal.

[2]  Jack J. Schuss,et al.  The IRIDIUM main mission antenna concept , 1999 .

[3]  Robert J. Mailloux,et al.  Phased Array Antenna Handbook , 1993 .

[4]  N. E. Jensen,et al.  Some European satellite-antenna developments and trends , 1996 .

[5]  Stuart C. Taylor,et al.  The Asia cellular satellite system , 1996 .

[6]  K. Ueno.  Multibeam antenna using a phased array fed reflector , 1997, IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium 1997. Digest.

[7]  R. Crescimbeni,et al.  Computer performance evaluation of a multibeam antenna for earth coverage at l-band , 1985, 1985 Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium.

[8]  Hiroyo Ogawa,et al.  Single chip variable beam forming network for 64-element array radiators : hyper scale monolithic microwave integration , 1996, 1996 26th European Microwave Conference.

[9]  J.J. Schuss,et al.  The IRIDIUM(R) Main Mission Antenna concept , 1996, IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium. 1996 Digest.