Side-lobe reduction with overlapped beam-forming network for Ku-band hybrid antenna array

This paper presents the advantages of using an overlapped beam-forming network in a low-profile, hybrid 2-D phased array for satellite communications in Ku-band. The hybrid nature of the antenna stems from its mechanical rotation for scan in azimuth and electronic control in elevation. An overlapped beam-forming network solution is devised in order to improve the radiation pattern in elevation to reduce side-lobe levels, as well as to reduce the number of controls, compared to previous designs.