Low profile mobile scanning phased array antenna system for DBS reception

The paper presents circularly polarized scanning phased array antenna terminal, developed for ground DBS reception in the frequency band 12.2-12.7 GHz. Design of the antenna utilizes microstrip printed circuit technique to achieve thin flat profile of the product, easy manufacturing and compatibility with MMIC phase control devices. The array is electronically steerable in elevation, as the phase control is realized with 5-bit phase shifters. Scanning in azimuth angles is mechanical. Amplitude control is not applied. The grid shape and spacing are considered to cover large tilt angles (up to 65 deg). Radiating elements are circular probe-fed patches. The antenna is purposed to the ground mobile users and provides hand over from beam to beam, depending on which particular beam provides the best link margin. Main components and blocks of the antenna terminal are discussed in the proposed paper, including radiating element, feed network, vertical structure, microstrip layers, LNA design, beam coverage. Measured antenna patterns and parameters are presented.