Waveguide Antenna Feeders With Integrated Reconfigurable Dual Circular Polarization

Waveguide antenna feeders with reconfigurable circular polarization sense are proposed in this paper. They can be switched between right and left hand circular polarization, without any mechanical rotation between the feeder and the antenna. Two types of feeders are presented. The polarizer works with a single switchable polarization for each state. The dual feeder can work with both polarizations at the same frequency band simultaneously, each one associated with a different rectangular waveguide port. The polarization sense is controlled by metallic posts that block or open the signal paths connecting the rectangular ports with a septum-orthomode polarizer. These posts are automated with piezo-motors integrated in the structure, leading to a very compact layout, reduced size, and practical for applications with diverse switching speed. The proof of concept and the automation are shown with experimental Ku-band prototypes.