Fabrication of four-element array using wideband and dual polarized open-ended waveguide for planar antennas

Abstract

We introduce a wideband and dual polarization antenna for mechanically-driven planar arrays. We previously proposed an antenna element based on open-ended waveguide. This paper designs a distribution network to connect four of these antenna elements by a strip line. The strip line network simplifies the waveguide manifold needed for constructing large scale planar arrays. Even though the wiring is asymmetrical, numerical simulations confirm its almost ideal transmission characteristics. We also fabricate a four-element subarray and demonstrate its performance. Total reflection including the antenna elements, strip lines, and waveguide transformer was -11dB or less across 30% bandwidth.