PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
The objective of this project is to investigate geodesic lens antennas, and their ability to provide a cost-effective solution for Satcom mobile ground terminals. Geodesic lens antennas are associated with good scanning capabilities, and high efficiency. Beam scanning can be obtained by moving only the feed and multiple simultaneous beams can be produced by employing multiple feeds. However, geodesic lenses only provide beam forming in one plane so employing only a geodesic lens is not sufficient to meet the gain requirements for Satcom. In this project, we investigate how a geodesic lens can be employed with different technologies to produce a highly directive beam while maintaining the attractive properties of the geodesic lens. The goal is to develop an antenna system that can provide high directivity and wide-angle steerable radiation patterns at a low cost and with a compact size.
Challenges
Geodesic lens antennas exhibit desirable properties such as high efficiency and good scanning capabilities. However, it’s important to note that these antennas inherently provide beamforming in a single plane. Consequently, a method to enhance the directivity of the geodesic lens antenna must be explored. Two primary challenges are identified in this project:
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Integrate the geodesic lens antenna with a structure designed to increase the directivity.
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Preserve the attractive properties of the geodesic lens antenna following integration with the structure.
System Architecture
The antenna developed in this activity provide a mechanically steerable beam that require movement of only a small part of the system when steering. The antenna system might also be suitable for electronically steering. Further study is needed to confirm the viability of that idea. The system is composed of three main parts
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Rotationally symmetric geodesic lens, which provides creates a linear source. For initial prototyping the lens is designed so it can be manufactured using CNC milling. For cheaper alternatives mold casting or metallic additive manufacturing can be considered for mass production.
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CTS structure that slowly radiates the linear source created by the lens. This way a linear polarized highly directive beam is produced.
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Polarizer array that transforms the linear polarization of the antenna to circular polarization.
Plan
The project is divided into four stages:
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Review of product requirements and available state-of-the-art.
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Study of different compression techniques and the applicability to the lens design. Different antenna solutions are proposed and verified in simulations and by studying state of the art.
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Validation of the selected design.
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Measurement of the manufactured prototype.
Current Status
The project is completed, and the concepts are experimentally verified in a lab environment.
