A Metasurface-based Cross-slot Aperture Coupled Antenna Array for Ku-band Satellites in Reception

TL;DR

This paper introduces a low-cost, metasurface-enhanced patch antenna array operating in the Ku-band, designed for satellite reception, achieving high gain and potential polarization flexibility for cost-effective satellite user terminals.

Contribution

It presents a novel aperture-coupled metasurface antenna array with high gain and broad bandwidth, suitable for low-cost satellite communication terminals.

Findings

Achieves at least 27 dBi gain across 10.7-12.7 GHz

Uses a 32x32 array in a rectangular lattice

Supports potential dual or circular polarization

Abstract

The demand for cost-effective, low-profile user terminals for satellite communications supporting multicast services for Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites, has become a key focus for many Direct-to-Home (DTH) providers where the high data rates in the downlink are required. Planar antenna arrays with increased frequency bandwidth and improved ratio using meta-surfaces are considered as an effective solution for such systems. This paper presents a low-cost, aperture-coupled metasurface-enhanced patch antenna, operating within the 10.7-12.7 GHz frequency range. The antenna is designed to achieve a realized gain of at least 27 dBi across the band of interest using 32 x 32 array antennas distributed in a rectangular lattice. Initially configured for linear polarization, the antenna can be upgraded to support dual or circular polarization if required.