Design of a Ku-band active microstrip antenna array with dual beam control

In the last 15 years, microstrip antennas have quickly evolved from a research novelty to a practical reality, with applications in a wide variety of microwave systems. Although microstrip antennas represent a significant advance in the field of antenna technology, it must be noted that it is usually because of their non-electrical characteristics that they are preferred over the other structures. Microstrip antennas, having low profile and light weight, are well suited to integration with microwave integrated circuits (MICs). Other important features of microstrip antennas are: low profile form factor; potentially low costs; conformability with mounting structures; easy integration with planar circuitry; capability of providing linear, dual and circular polarizations; versatile feed geometries. A Ku-band receiver, with dual steerable beam and which is small, easy to integrate and effective, is designed. With this system, it is possible to track simultaneously two different satellites which are located at different positions on the orbit. Solving methods for both electromagnetic and electronic circuit problems are investigated and developed and the optimum antenna structure, which meets the requirement, is proposed.