Low cost, wide scanning dual-polarized planar radiating element for weather measurements

We present a novel antenna element design for arrays. The planar radiating element is dual-polarized, probe-fed, with simplified integrated feed layers and a radome layer for environmental protection. A particular characteristic of the proposed design is its low cost approach by employing FR4-only substrates throughout the printed circuit board stack. The radiating antenna element has an active VSWR<;1.25 for both horizontal and vertical polarizations, respectively, with better than -22dB isolation between the two polarizations in the 2.7-2.9GHz band at broadside. The radiating element scans up to 45° with an active VSWR<;3 for both polarizations. The proposed planar radiating element can provide enhanced capability and low cost advantages to multifunction phased array [1, 2].