4× 8 SIW based Slotted Phased Array at Ku Band for Satellite Applications

Abstract

Satellites communications play very important role in global communication nowadays. Applications for communications can be found in several bands, including the L-, X-, Ku-, and Ka-bands. To track satellites Mechanical beam steering is used in conventional agile systems that are commercially available to monitor the satellite. However, these devices are large, expensive to maintain, and have inaccurate mechanical placement. In contrast, Phased array antennas have agile beams, providing significant system advantages and they can track one or more satellites. An important parameter for optimal functioning of satellite-based communication system is the design of its antenna. To meet these requirements aggressive research is underway for low-cost solutions of phased array with larger scanning area. This thesis work also presents substrate integrated waveguide phased array at (14.0-14.5) GHz Ku band for satellite applications., SIW is advantageous for low loss and wide bandwidth due to its high Q-factor, high selectivity, cutoff frequency characteristic, and high-power capacity. The suggested antenna array is built on a single-layer substrate that has a metal ground completely covering it on the back. The SIW operates in the TE10 mode like a rectangular waveguide filled with dielectric. A 4x8 planar phased array uses the SIW-slot element. It can scan up to ± 35⸰ in the whole operating band with maximum measured gain if 19.2dBi and minimum SLL of -10dB.