Integrated antenna arrays for direct satellite reception

The feasibility of using rectangular microstrip on travelling-wave integrated antenna arrays to recieve DBS signals is investigated analytically. The theory of microstrip-antenna operation is reviewed, and both single-cavity and integrated travelling-wave configurations are evaluated on the basis of the WARC-BS-77 specifications for DBS antennas. It is shown that the use of single-cavity microstrip arrays permits reductions of up to 40 percent in the antenna dimensions (as compared with a conventional parabolic antenna having the same gain at the same frequency). The need to place the radiating elements carefully so as to minimize mutual EM coupling is stressed.