Phased array feed for communication satellite antennas

Abstract

Phased array antennas are attractive for geostationary satellites because of their many advantages. This paper provides an analytical study of a single reflector antenna fed by an array feed composed of radially aligned elements. The antenna is compared with other phased array antennas such as a direct radiating array and a dual reflector antenna. Given the same environments for feeds and subreflectors, the comparison shows that a phased-array-fed single reflector antenna is superior to a dual reflector in wide angle beam scan capability. A manufactured array feed is described and measured radiation properties are shown. Secondary radiation patterns of the array fed reflector antenna calculated using measured array feed radiation patterns are presented. The agreement with original prediction proves the feasibility of the phased-array-fed single reflector antenna and the usefulness of radially aligned feed array elements.