High performance of dual band/dual polarization compact OMT

The development of a compact circular polarization Orthomode Trasducer (OMT) working in two frequency bands with dual circular polarization (RHCP & LHCP) is presented. The device covers the complete communication spectrum allocated at C-band. At the same time, the device presents high power handling capability and very low mass and envelope size. The OMT plus a feed horn are used to illuminate a Reflector antenna, the surface of which is shaped to provide domestic or regional coverage from geostationary orbit. The full band operation increases the earth-satellite communication capability. The paper will show the OMT selected architecture, the RF performances at unit level and at component level. RF power aspects like multipaction and PIM are addressed. This development was performed under European Space Agency ESA ARTES-4 program.