Conformal Microstrip Antenna Array with Hemispherical Coverage for Mobile Users of Future Satellite Systems

Future satellite systems like GNSS-2 for combined communication and navigation services need small and low-cost ground segment antennas with a coverage of more than a hemisphere for mobile users. A candidate for this application is the antenna presented in this paper. It consists of a semi-spherical microstrip patch array for C-band with local planar elements. Beam switching by single element switching avoids the use of complex phased array concepts. The necessary gain is achieved by the use of high gain microstrip patch elements applying superstrate technology. 90°-hybrid-power-dividers in combination with dual linear polarized elements enable the reception and transmission of circularly polarized waves.