3-D Printed High-Efficiency Wideband 2x2 and 4x4 Double-Ridged Waveguide Antenna Arrays for Ku-Band Satcom-On-The-Move Applications

The development of Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellite communications aims at delivering low-cost worldwide internet connection. The development of compact and low-cost user terminals on Earth represents a fundamental step to reach the consumer mass-market. Here, we present the design, fabrication and test of a 3D-printed 2x2 double-ridged waveguide (DRWG) antenna array with waveguide feeding network, working at Ku- Band (10.75 – 14.5 GHz) with simulated total efficiency $\gt 70$%. A 4x4 array is also designed leveraging the previous concept with simulated total efficiency $\gt 60$% and realized gain of $\sim 16$ dBi, paving the way for innovative low-cost antenna solutions for user’s terminal.