Prime-focus parabolic reflector antenna: Theory and measurement

Some numerical techniques used to compute the patterns of prime focus reflector antennas are reviewed. The design of a front fed, axi-symmetric antenna using a simple TE10 horn feed is described. The measured patterns are compared to the predicted patterns and various discrepancies are discussed. Measurements show that comparatively low sidelobes (-28 dB) can be very rapidly degraded by moving the waveguide run away from one of the struts and then running it as a gooseneck feed from the apex of the reflector.