Realization and test of a versatile and low-cost printed configuration of UWB dual-pol antenna

Starting from an innovative low-cost and compact topology of planar radiating element, based on printed strips in rhombic configuration on stacked layers for dual-pol Ultra- Wide-Band (UWB) applications, this work describes the evolution of the antenna from the designed layout to prototyping and testing. The analysis is first focused on the optimization processes involving the construction parameters that affect the antenna matching impedance in the operative bandwidth (ranging from S to Ka band). Consequently, the experimental tests on a manufactured antenna prototype show the agreement between simulations and measurements, in terms of return/insertion loss and radiation patterns, thus confirming various attractive features of the proposed topology for multifunctional applications.