A versatile printed antenna configuration for multifunction UWB array applications

In this work, an original configuration of a low-cost, compact, and light-weight integrated radiating element is proposed for multifunction ultra-wideband (UWB) applications. The basic module is constituted by a suitable geometry of coupled printed dipoles in a multilayer configuration with laterally shielding metallization which minimizes interaction among adjacent elements. In the optimisation process, practical aspects have been considered such as the choice of appropriate feeding and of commercially-available dielectric layers. Very interesting performance is achieved in terms of operational bandwidth (more than three octaves) and dual-pol radiation patterns. Due to its high modularity and scalability, large phased arrays are easily implemented. Pencil-beam scanning is demonstrated for multifunction operation in the whole C, X, Ku, and K bands, in the areas of ground and airborne radar surveillance, weather and communications applications.