Design and simulation of double ridged horn antenna operating for UWB applications

In this paper, the design and simulation of a modified double-ridged antenna is presented(demonstrated). The radiation phenomenon is based on the wave impedance transition from transmission waveguide line to the impedance of free space through ridges. This paper describes the design of an ultrawideband Double Ridged Horn antenna with VSWR less than 2, operating at 5.3GHz to 6.3GHz, 11.02GHz to 11.8GHz, 16.5GHz to 18GHz, 22.8GHz to 23.7GHz and 28GHz to 29.14GHz frequency ranges which are proved to be more suitable as a feed element in reflectors of the RADAR systems and EMC applications. A new coaxial line to double-ridged waveguide transition and a new technique for tapering the flared section of the horn are introduced to improve the return loss and the impedance matching. The ridges are used to lower the cut-off frequency, hence increasing the antenna's bandwidth. An Antenna having coax feed transmission line for radio frequency signal, provides protection of the signal from external electromagnetic interference. To boost the return loss, an external part called “back cavity” is attached to the waveguide. Results of simulation and the performance of a double ridged pyramidal horn antenna in terms of low VSWR (less than 2), high gain, ultra-wide operation frequency bandwidth operating at 5.3GHz to 6.3GHz, 11.02GHz to 11.8GHz, 16.5GHz to 18GHz, 22.8GHz to 23.7GHz and 28GHz to 29.14GHz are provided. The tool used for designing purpose was Ansoft HFSS version 12.0.