A 6.3∶1 bandwidth scanning Tightly Coupled Dipole Array with co-designed compact balun

We present a design for a Tightly Coupled Dipole Array (TCDA) with wide angle scanning and a wideband compact balun. Although TCDAs are low profile, capable of wide bandwidth, good scan performance, and low cross polarization, they require a balanced feeding structure whose realization introduces significant practical challenges. Among them is developing a balun that is both compact and wideband. In this paper, we demonstrate a design for a low cost balun that fits within the existing array volume and increases the overall bandwidth of the array. This is accomplished by exploiting the balun´s reactance as part of the matching network for the aperture. The final array delivers 6.3 : 1 bandwidth, ±45° scanning in all planes, and <; -10dB cross-polarization. These capabilities are believed to be unique for a low profile array with a self-contained feed.