Design and analysis of single layer Ku/K band integrated element reflectarray antenna

Abstract

AbstractA linearly polarized dual band reflectarray (RA) antenna designed, fabricated, and tested to operate in the Ku and K band frequencies is reported in this paper. The 24 × 24 cm2 size RA is developed using 1058 integrated elements etched over a 0.275 mm thick Rogers RT5870 substrate. The integrated elements include concentric circular rings distributed co-centric with the source and the Malta cross elements distributed offset from the source. The distribution of these elements is done based on the 590 and 360° phase change observed at 14.25 (Ku) and 22.5 (K) GHz by varying the size of the circular rings and the Malta cross respectively. The designed RA offers a simulated gain of 28.62 dBi at 14.25 GHz and 26.92 dBi at 22.5 GHz. These results are validated experimentally using the fabricated prototype. A measured peak gain of 28 and 26.4 dBi are observed with sidelobe levels (SLL) of −21 and −11 dB at 14.25 and 22.5 GHz respectively. The cross-polarization levels measured at the resonant frequencies are <−31 and <−28 dB. The proposed dual-band RA covers the entire Ku band uplink frequencies utilized for fixed satellite services and the K band downlink frequencies useful for earth exploration satellite services.