Members: Shai Cohen

Supervisor: Dr. Adi Pick, Yaniv Israeli

Satellite communications use different frequency bands for transmission and reception: Ku-band (13.75-14.5 GHz) for transmission and X-band (10.95-11.7 GHz) for reception. In this project, we design an antenna array that combines two frequency ranges by using two rectangular patches on two separate layers to minimize the antenna size.

Using two different layers allows for good separation between transmission and reception. This technique enables to increase the number of elements in the array (creating an 8x8 array) and boost its gain. Additionally, for better isolation between transmission and reception, we use two feed methods: transmission through a slot and reception through a direct feed. In our design, the bends of the feed networks are designed to prevent reflections and the distance between the feeds is kept above a certain threshold to avoid unnecessary coupling.

Since the antenna is printed, it is small, lightweight, and inexpensive to manufacture. The simulation results met the specification requirements by Elta: isolation of 20 dB maximum, gain of 21 dB minimum for reception, 24 dB minimum for transmission, and VSWR between 1 and 2. Due to commercial reasons, this antenna was not manufactured during the course of this project. However, to assess the quality of our simulations, we performed several tests on a prototypical patch antenna, consisting of a single rectangle with the same material properties as our simulation parameters. Specifically, we measured the VSWR and isolation of the antenna using a network analyzer, and its Radiation patterns, gain, beamwidth, and sidelobes using an anechoic chamber. The simulations in the CST software closely matched the measured properties. The excellent agreement helps us believe that the simulation results of the designed antenna array are reliable. We conclude by describing possible ways to further improve the performance.