Antenna array of waveguide horns with an E-plane aperture, as well as horns with an aperture in the E- and H-planes

Abstract

Background. Currently, in connection with the conduct of a special military operation, the issue of the availability of inexpensive mobile terminals for high-speed satellite communications of domestic production is very relevant, as well as due to the large extent of the territories of our country, there are a number of areas where cellular communication is absent, for example, the Taiga, the Arctic, the territory of the Arctic Ocean, etc. Therefore, the only possible connection in these territories is satellite communication. Aim. Development of a linear equidistant antenna array with equal amplitude and common-mode excitation for a mobile satellite communication terminal. Methods. The antenna array was designed from the open ends of waveguides with a cross section of 19 × 11 mm with air filling. Adjacent pairs of radiating waveguides are powered by an E-planar divider: the waveguide is divided in half in height by a thin metal diaphragm, wave reflections from which are insignificant; further, in each half of the power divider, height-separated right and left turns and smooth transitions in the E-plane are implemented – an extension from 5,25 mm to 11 mm. Results. An antenna array with a period of 19,5 mm has been developed. Overall dimensions: opening width – 624 mm, height – 12 mm, depth – 118 mm. A feature of the antenna array design is the use of smooth asymmetric transitions in the E-plane according to the exponential law; in the opening of the headlights, waveguide asymmetric horns alternate, with a period equal to 4 values of the width of the waveguides, taking into account the width of their narrow walls, expanding in the upper (2 adjacent radiators) and lower (next 2 radiators) directions. Conclusion. The advantage of using an approach to the construction of linear antenna arrays powered by multichannel power dividers is the ability to minimize the depth of the antenna system. The main disadvantages are the constructive and technological complexity of power dividers and significant power losses with a large number of channels. Possible manufacturing technologies of the developed phased array: 1. Stamping of polystyrene of the inner part of the power divider and emitters. Next, polishing, copper spraying and electroplating with a layer of copper. 2. Printing on a 3D polystyrene printer, polishing, copper spraying and copper electroplating. 3. Manufacture of a power divider using SIW technology based on standard microwave laminates. The use of metallized through holes for matching power dividers. Antenna elements and coaxial waveguide junctions are made by stamping from polystyrene, or printing on a 3D printer from polystyrene, then polishing, spraying a layer of copper and electroplating with a layer of copper. 4. Metal stamping of the power divider, emitters and coaxial waveguide junctions (2 parts). The dielectric insert can be printed on a 3D printer made of polystyrene.

Keywords

• mobile and airborne satellite communications
• linear antenna arrays
• waveguide horns