Antenna Systems with Wide-Angle Mechanoelectrical Beam Steering

   Introduction. The active development of satellite communication networks determines the need for new antenna systems for ground terminals. The Sphere Federal program implies the commissioning of new satellite constellations for communication and remote sensing of the Earth. The Skif (providing broadband Internet access) and Express-RV (providing the Internet and communications for Arctic) satellite constellations are not geostationary, thus requiring constant satellite tracking even for stationary terminals. Deflecting structures operating on the principle of quasi-optical beam control make it possible to develop scanning antenna systems for organizing continuous satellite communications.

   Aim. Investigation of various types of dielectric structures for radiation pattern deflection and scanning antenna systems on their basis, as well as identification of a configuration with improved characteristics compared to the ideal structure in the shape of a dielectric wedge.

   Materials and methods. Mathematical modeling, electrodynamic modeling using CAD by the finite element method and the finite integration method, as well as an experimental study of an antenna system prototype in an anechoic
chamber by measuring methods in the far-field and near-field of the antenna.

   Results. Electrodynamic simulation was carried out for three types of dielectric structures, analogues of a dielectric wedge, including a structure assembled from various dielectrics of fixed sizes with different dielectric constants; a structure of triangular dielectric plates; and a perforated dielectric structure. In addition, scanning antenna systems based on the presented configurations were analyzed. Radiation patterns were obtained for all structural types for various rotation angles of the deflecting systems. The structure assembled from various dielectrics of fixed sizes with different dielectric constants was found to possess the most optimal characteristics. This structure was used to develop a model for experimental confirmation of the conducted electrodynamic simulation. The maximum tilt angle of the radiation pattern was about 60°, the decrease in the directivity relative to the maximum value was 6 dB; for tilt angles up to 55°, the directivity degradation did not exceed 4 dB, the level of the side lobes did not exceed –12 dB (calculated) and –14 dB (measured).

   Conclusion. The results of studies into various types of structures for quasi-optical beam control of the radiation pattern show the possibility of using these configurations when creating low-profile antenna systems with wide-angle mechanoelectric scanning for organizing satellite communications for both mobile and stationary consumers using medium earth orbit spacecrafts.

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