Prototypes development for reflection canceling slot design of radial line slot array (RLSA) antenna for direct broadcast satellite reception

A radial line slot array (RLSA) antenna is a high gain and high efficiency planar antenna which is suitable for direct broadcast satellite (DBS) reception. The satellite communication market commonly uses the standard parabolic dish antenna. However, the use of this type of antenna has some disadvantages. In a primary fed design, there is a considerable aperture blockage. An offset parabolic antenna design, which eliminates the blockage, is susceptible to physical damage as its feed is significantly exposed from the body of the reflector. A more beneficial design is that of the radial line slot array (RLSA) type antenna. Advantages of this antenna include its high radiation efficiency, low profile, low cost and rear-mounted feed. The prototype development starts with the selection of the cavity´s dielectric material and construction of the coaxial-to-waveguide transition. Several experimental evaluations have been performed on the constructed prototypes to evaluate the antenna gain and radiation pattern. The final prototype constructed has the capability of receiving TV programs from direct broadcast satellite.