A wideband, dual-polarized connected crossed-dipole scalable array for SATCOM

This paper presents the design of a wideband connected crossed-dipole array with dual-polarization for SATCOM. The element design is able to cover a bandwidth of approximately 2:1, with wider bandwidths possible depending mainly on array size and balun design. This design also allows wide scanning (up to +/- 60 degrees across the full bandwidth) because elements are compact. Because the crossed dipoles have excellent isolation from each other (approx 30 dB), dual polarization can be achieved. The elements are also low-profile, with a height of 0.36 wavelengths at the high end of the frequency range. Feeding the elements requires only one vertical cable per element and polarization, and the elements themselves are contained in a single two-layer printed circuit board suspended over the ground plane. This array is highly suitable for use on SATCOM satellites, as it is lightweight, robust, efficient, easy to fabricate, able to handle high power, and straightforward to scale up or down in frequency. An 8×8 array panel has been fabricated, and measured directivities compare well with simulation.