Printed dipole radiating elements for broadband and wide scan angle active phased array

Active phased arrays typically require array radiating elements with broad bandwidth as well as large scan angle capability, with low cross-polarisation levels for realising low sidelobe patterns. The printed dipole antenna element presented in this paper offers all the features required for an active array radiating element, namely, a bandwidth in excess of 18% in L-band with a good pattern shape, large beam width and low cross-polarisation levels. The antenna structure with bent arms and an integrated balun, has also been analysed using IE3D EM Simulator and has been optimised practically for its performance characteristics as an array element with a wide scan angle capability of /spl plusmn/60/spl deg/ from the broadside of the array.