Wide band microstrip phased array for mobile satellite communications

A low profile, dual frequency, microstrip phased array has been designed and developed for INMARSAT (International Maritime Satellite organization) land mobile satellite communications. The purpose of the array was to provide a wide band coverage, right-hand circular polarization with a high gain and minimum sidelobe levels in the principal planes. The developed array has a measured frequency bandwidth of 10% with a VSWR of 1.5, a minimum gain of 12 dBic, a gain to noise temperature ratio of -8.98 dB/K, sidelobe levels 13 dB below the beam peak in both the principal planes. The size of the array was 47 cm in diameter and 1.3 cm thick including a flush mounted light weight radome with the elements and the feed lines on the same layer.<
>