volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

In this paper, a K-band right hand circularly polarized (RHCP) antenna array with 4×4 elements is designed, fabricated, measured and analyzed. The RHCP pattern is obtained from the helical antenna elements, with a unit cell of every four elements, sequentially counterclockwise by 90 deg. To decrease the profile of the vertical interconnection between the helical antenna and its feeding network, the integration of this RHCP antenna and its feeding networkis realized by low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology. The antenna's feeding network consists of eight directional couplers, four circulators, and one power divider. In the feeding network, different RF channels' isolations are improved by the shield structures which are realized by metal filled via holes. For the operating frequency, the measured axial ratio (AR) is better than 1.25 dB. The proposed antenna is small in size, andit is a very good candidate for mobile satellite communications.

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Dr. Hao Wei

Dr. Wei Han

Dr. Shiwang Jia

Dr. Xiaoli Jiang

Dr. Weiwei Liu