An insert-fed Ku-band microstrip antenna array for DBS application

This paper presents the design and implementation of a novel Ku -band microstrip antenna array with an insert feeding network for direct broadcast satellite (DBS) application. The proposed antenna array features fewer elements, lower profile, and better performance than existing designs. The insert microstrip feeding network makes it convenient to adjust input impedance of the array. The optimal structure of the antenna array was determined by investigating the effect of antenna structure parameters on return loss of the array. The antenna array with optimal structure dimension was fabricated and measured. Both simulation and measurement results show that the operating frequency bandwidth of the antenna array for |S₁₁| >10 dB covers a wider bandwidth of 11.4 GHz - 12.8GHz. Far field measurements in the E and H planes show that the proposed design can achieve the desired radiation patterns.