Simple design method of feed cluster for array-fed reflector type multi-spot beam antennas

Multi-spot beam antennas are attractive candidates for onboard antennas to provide contiguous coverage for high-speed satellite communications networks. A novel simple design method of the feed cluster is proposed to maximize the efficiency within the contiguous coverage. The method is based on the relations of the Gaussian beam mode. The derived formula based on the method expresses the efficiency as a function of a single parameter, which represents the feed cluster constitution. The validity of the method is confirmed by comparison with PO results.