Design of 1–18 GHz parabolic reflector antenna with LPDA feed

LPDA (Log Periodic Dipole Arrays) as a reflector antenna feed offers wide range for applications. However, phase center of the LPDA changes depending on the operation frequency, which, in turn, leads to defocusing loss as frequency changes. In this study, design of 1-18 GHz printed LPDA antenna is used as a linearly polarized feed for the parabolic reflector which has a 1.2 m diameter. Optimal feed position and f/D ratio are chosen through extensive simulations. Performance parameters such as VSWR, gain and half power beamwidth are presented. Minimum aperture efficiency was recorded as 0.27 at the target band.