Flat array antenna for Ku-band mobile satellite terminals

This work presents the advances in the development of an innovative flat array antenna for Ku-band mobile satellite terminals. The antenna is conceived to allow a bi-directional high data rate satellite link. The available circular surface (diameter 110 cm) integrates both a transmitting and a receiving section, operating in orthogonal linear polarizations. The TX frequency range is fully covered while the RX bandwidth is around 300 MHz arbitrarily allocated on the DVB range depending on requirements. The beam is steered in elevation through a phased array architecture not employing costly phase shifters, while the steering in azimuth is mechanical. Active BFNs in printed circuit technology allow excellent performance in terms of EIRP (42 dBW/1MHz, ITU-R S.728.1) and G/T (13 dB/°K at 40° in elevation), maintaining extremely low profile (< 5 cm, radome included). Gain as high as 32 dBi is achieved thanks to the use of slotted waveguide technology, while low fabrication costs are ensured by the employment of innovative SIW (substrate integrated waveguide) structures. In the design fabrication cost is considered as a driving factor, yet providing high performance with a flat profile and thus resulting in a great commercial potentiality.