Ku-band active array antenna for mobile DBS reception

In this paper, a high efficiency active array antenna module using microstrip patch subarrays with the stacked patch and the low cost packaged monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) phase shifters is developed, which is used in the active phased array antenna system. The antenna elements and the active circuitry are integrated to improve the array performance on the same substrate. It exhibits the antenna gain to noise temperature ratio (G/T) of 0 dB/K. The 3 /spl times/ 4 circularly polarized radiator subarray has a 3dB axial ratio bandwidth of 25% and 2:1 VSWR bandwidth of 15.2%. And the tracking performances for this antenna with gain of 24dBi (3 /spl times/ 8 radiator) are discussed from the moving test on urban road, national road, and expressway. The average receiving rates are 88% on urban area and 99% on highway except tunnels, respectively. In addition, the reduction of the relative receiving rate due to the blockings and the rainfall intensity is investigated.