Wideband aperture-coupled microstrip patch array for satellite TV reception

The development and the measured performance of wideband aperture coupled microstrip patch arrays for satellite TV reception is described. The input impedance and other antenna parameters of the elements are calculated with the method of moments. The elements are spaced by 0.85 λ₀ and grouped into subcircuits fed by a modular feed network. Impedance matching is performed by multiple-section quarter wavelength transformers. Excellent agreement between predicted and measured far field patterns is achieved. For a 16×16 element array in the 12.6 GHz frequency range the polarization purity is better than 35 dB and a front to back ratio of >38 dB has been realized. A great advantage of the described arrays are the low production costs. The antenna is fabricated of thin film substrates which are spaced by foam materials having a low dielectric constant