Dual-polarized portable printed antenna for satellite communications at X-Band

An antenna which has been conceived as a portable system for satellite communications is introduced. It is a planar and a compact structure with a size of 40×40×2.5cm. The antenna is formed by a square array of 256 printed elements covering a large bandwidth (14.7%) at X-Band with a 1.4:1 VSWR, including the transmission (Tx) and the reception (Rx) bands simultaneously. The printed antenna has a radiation pattern with a 3dB beamwidth of 5°, over 31dBi directivity, a dual and an interchangeable circular polarization and a feeding network with total losses about 0.8dB. The complete design of the antenna is shown in this work, besides measurements of the radiation capabilities of the radiating element, the unit cell and the behavior of some components of the feeding network.