Optimum design of satellite TV antennas for weak signal environment

This paper describes a process of optimization of corrugated horn feeds for satellite TV antenna applications. Optimization of the feeds was performed using an axisymmetrical version of a Finite Difference Time Domain software. The optimized horns were manufactured in high volume using CNC machines and applied in many TV installations in Cyprus. It is shown that typically more than 1 dB can be gained in the signal-to-noise ratio by optimizing the feed. Practical experience from application of the optimized horns shows that, to achieve the same effect of improvement of antenna performance, investment in horn optimization may be more than an order of magnitude smaller than investment in the increase of reflector size.