Q and V band Dual Offset Feed Parabolic Antenna for Satellite Communication in Equatorial Region

Recently, The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has allocated significant frequency bandwidth in the Q/V band for Fixed-Satellite Services (FSS), making these frequencies potentially useful for future broadband systems. In satellite communication, parabolic reflector antennas are widely used because they have very high gain and directivity. However, Q/V band links have a higher atmospheric attenuation, and it is much more severe in the equatorial region. Since the wavelength of Q/V band is very short, the offset feed type offers greater advantage by not having the feed obstructing the signal path. However, unlike the Ku or Ka band terminals, the feeds and dish for the Q/V band satcom terminals are not yet commercially available. Therefore, in this article, two Q/V band parabolic antenna with offset feed were designed using WR-19 waveguide and standard horn as its feed. Both offset feed parabolic antennas will be designed, simulated, and analyzed using CST Studio Suite software. Performance in terms of S-parameter, VSWR, radiation pattern, gain, directivity, and radiation efficiency were compared to identify which types of offset feed parabolic antenna is the most suitable for the Q/V band. Both designs produce a radiation efficiency greater than 95% at both Q and V frequencies. Both designs obtain very good results and the offset parabolic antenna with standard horn has a gain of 29.13 dB at 42 GHz and 34.49 dB at 52 GHz making it more suitable for future Q and V links in the equatorial region.