Multiband Dual-Polarization High-Efficiency Array Feed for Ku/Reverse-Band Satellite Communications

A dual-band dual-polarized planar passive phased array feed was designed and simulated, with four highly isolated ports and polarizations. The feed design provides an important feasibility demonstration for the deployment of a satellite transponder that transmits a downlink signal at 17.3-17.8 GHz, referred to as reverse band (RB), in the same orbital slot as an existing Ku-band satellite. The design utilizes a multilayer printed circuit board (PCB) to separate the complex feed distribution networks required for the four-port antenna. Simulation results indicate that the feed receives signals in dual linear polarization at Ku-band and dual circular polarization at RB with isolation between all ports better than 20 dB. With the feed illuminating a reflector antenna, the aperture illumination and radiation efficiencies are approximately 70% and 80%, respectively, for all ports, representing one of the most complex yet efficient reported planar array feed designs in the literature.