A dual circular combined K/Ka-band RF sensing feed chain for multi beam satellite antennas

This paper presents the design process as well as the performance and test results achieved for a novel combined transmit (Tx)/receive (Rx) feed chain with RF sensing (RFS) capabilities This modular feed chain is useable for multiple spot beam satellite antennas with overlapping beams in Ka-band. We describe an efficient EM-field/circuit co-optimization technique, which uses the advantages of both, EM-field solvers and circuit simulators. With this approach a fast and accurate design of complex feed chain systems, comprised of a high number of different and interacting waveguide components, as part of a multi-beam satellite antenna is possible. The feed chain was manufactured using conventional techniques. The measurement results are in a very good agreement with the simulation results.