Hybrid array fed reflector antenna solution for broadband satellite communications

An hybrid array fed reflector antenna solution is described in this paper, combining a focused geometry in one plane and an imaging (defocused) geometry in the orthogonal plane. This doubly curved reflector geometry can be combined with a stack of linear phased arrays, introducing some re-configurability at a moderate cost when compared to more conventional imaging reflector solutions using planar phased arrays. A simple analytical formulation is derived to define the proposed doubly curved surface and numerical results are presented for a multiple beam mission at Ka-band. This hybrid antenna solution is considered of interest for broadband payloads to be embarked on future communication satellites.