Design of Multimode Ka Band Hybrid Dielectric Rod as a Monopulse Tracking Feed for LEO Satellite Ground Station

This paper demonstrates design of a multimode dielectric rod for tracking of Ka-band remote sensing satellite using single radiating element. This dielectric rod is designed for Ka-band frequency ranging from 25.5 to 27 GHz. High gain around 22.5dBi in SUM and 16.7dBi in DIFFERENCE pattern is achieved with axial ratio below 1dB over ±17° subtended angle. The radiation pattern shows good pattern symmetry along with low side lobe levels. Novelty of this design lies in the fact that high gain SUM and DIFFERENCE pattern, suitable for multimode Cassegrain feed, is achieved with very good axial ratio over a wide subtended angle using dielectric rod feed element. Such multimode dielectric feed is also suitable in integrating to design multiband antenna systems.