Horn Feed with Switchable Polarization for Radar & Tracking Antenna System

Abstract

The pyramidal feed horn in conjunction with polarizer assembly has been designed as one of the elements of monopulse tracking antenna system. A novel switching scheme capable of offering multiple polarizations has been designed at C-band. It consists of an in-line waveguide structure - one fixed and one rotating waveguide sections to attain all four polarizations. Additive manufacturing technology (3D Printing) is used for realizing the complete feed system for improved performance. The antenna system has been optimized using Ansys HFSS software and tested in a standard Antenna Test Facility. Close agreement has been observed between the simulated and measured results.