Beam forming network design using microstrip lens for cluster feeding

We propose a beam forming network (BFN) design that uses microwave lenses and that is suited to a multibeam reflector antenna. Its performance is assessed as a simple BFN that uses a symmetrically configured 16X16 lens. The proposed BFN is easily manufactured at low-cost by taking advantage of printed-circuit boards. Furthermore, the BFN does not require hybrids; thus, it has no complex interconnections to restrict its operating frequency range. Therefore, the BFN can offer a wide frequency band, and can be applied to large-scale circuits. The antenna radiation patterns that are calculated by applying the BFN to a parabolic antenna exhibit good performance since the proposed BFN configuration counterbalances odd-order aberrations of the microwave lenses.