Dual-Polarized Microstrip Patch Planar Array Antennas With Improved Port-to-Port Isolation

A method of preventing the degradation in the isolation between the orthogonal polarization ports caused by beamforming network routing in combined edge/aperture fed dual-polarized microstrip-patch planar array antennas is described. The simulated and measured performance of such planar arrays is demonstrated. Measured port isolations of 50 dB at center frequency, and more than 40 dB over a 4% bandwidth, are achieved. In addition, insight into the physical reasons for the improved port-to-port isolation levels, of the proposed element geometry and beamforming network layout, is obtained through prudent use of the electromagnetic modelling.