Wide-Band Wide-Scan High-Gain CTS Array for SatCom Applications in PCB Technology

Abstract

This communication presents a continuous transverse stub (CTS) array with a gain larger than 38.5 dBi at K/Ka band (17 GHz-31 GHz) for SatCom applications. The CTS array is fabricated in printed circuit board technology (PCB) with a stack-up of 15 layers without any buried and blind vias by resorting to a novel contact-less transition among layers. A very-broadband quasi-optical beamformer made by a pillbox coupler is used as a feeder. Such a coupler is optimized to cover the K/Ka band. A ±65° beam steering angle in elevation is obtained. The steering is achieved through a mechanically moving horn placed in the focal planer of the pillbox coupler. The antenna’s aperture is a square with $62.2\lambda_{0}$ side length and a thickness of approximately $6\lambda_{0}$, where $\lambda_{0}$ is the free space wavelength at 31 GHz.