Title :
An ultra-thin, decade (10∶1) Bandwidth, modular “BAVA” array with low cross-polarization
Author :
Elsallal, M. Wajih ; Mather, John C.
Author_Institution :
Adv. Technol. Center, Rockwell Collins, Cedar Rapids, IA, USA
Abstract :
Rockwell Collins has developed a novel design for a decade bandwidth, dual-polarized Balanced Antipodal Vivaldi Antenna (BAVA) array. The BAVA element height and the array lattice spacing are about λ/2 at the high frequency end of a grating-lobe free operating band. This allows an ultra-thin array profile, and will minimize the number (hence, cost) of transmit/receive (T/R) modules needed for high performance, multifunction phased arrays. The elements are fed directly by a 50Ω stripline. No matching network or balun circuitry is needed to achieve an active VSWR <; 3:1 across the entire bandwidth over wide scan volume. Although the design includes a ground plane, it provides a very low cross-polarization level due to its ultra-thin profile. The BAVA array produces below -25 dB cross-polarization at principal planes, and better than -17 dB at 45° scan-angles along the diagonal plane.
Keywords :
antenna phased arrays; BAVA element; Rockwell Collins; array lattice spacing; balun circuitry; cross-polarization level; decade bandwidth; dual-polarized balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna array; grating-lobe free operating band; low cross-polarization; matching network; modular BAVA array; multifunction phased arrays; transmit/receive module; ultra-thin array profile; Arrays; Finite element methods; Vivaldi antennas; Wideband; Phased arrays; Vivaldi; cross-polarization; decade bandwidth;
Conference_Titel :
Antennas and Propagation (APSURSI), 2011 IEEE International Symposium on
Conference_Location :
Spokane, WA
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-9562-7
DOI :
10.1109/APS.2011.5996893