# A Low-Cost Dual-Frequency Dual-Polarized Antenna Array with High Gain

## TL;DR

This paper presents a high-gain, low-cost antenna array that can operate at two frequencies and two polarizations, ideal for satellite communication systems.

## Contribution

The design introduces a dual-frequency dual-polarized antenna array with a low-loss feed network and high gain.

## Key findings

- The antenna array achieved measured gains of 34.5 dBi and 35.2 dBi at 12.5 GHz and 14.25 GHz, respectively.
- The −10 dB return loss frequency bands were 12.04–12.69 GHz and 13.82–14.66 GHz.
- The design uses a low-loss feed network with semi-ridged coaxial lines and radial power dividers.

## Abstract

A high-gain microstrip antenna array is proposed. The dual-frequency and dual-polarization characteristics of the array allow a satellite communication system to transmit and receive signals with a single antenna. To avoid high losses in microstrip feed lines for large apertures, the array is divided into subarrays, each fed by a low-loss separate feed network. The dual-frequency dual-polarization function is realized by utilizing two orthogonal modes of a corner-fed rectangular patch in a single-layer substrate. Moreover, to minimize losses in the separate feed network, semi-ridged coaxial lines and five four-way radial power dividers are employed. The power divider, composed of a cylindrical cavity and five SMA connectors, features very low insertion loss. Finally, to validate the design concept, a prototype of the proposed 32 × 32-element array operating at 12.5 GHz and 14.25 GHz is fabricated and measured. The measured results are in good agreement with the simulated ones. The −10 dB return loss frequency bands for the two operating frequencies are 12.04 GHz–12.69 GHz and 13.82 GHz–14.66 GHz, respectively. The measured gains at the two operating bands are 34.5 dBi and 35.2 dBi, respectively.