Dual band, dual polarisation microstrip antenna for x-band satellite communications

A dual band, dual polarisation microstrip patch array antenna operating between 7.25 and 8.4 GHz is being constructed for use in satellite communication applications. This antenna is seen as an alternative to reflector types of similar gain. Its attributes include a two-dimensional geometry and a low profile. It is physically robust and less bulky than a comparable paraboloid. The antenna radiation pattern is designed to conform to the WARC 1979 template for antennas with diameters less than 100 wavelengths. The microstrip patches have independent feed points for each polarisation. The novel, compact, multilayer-sandwich construction employed in the antenna utilizes two interlaced triplate corporate feeds to the printed elements.