Super Wide Band Parabolic Reflector Design With Vivaldi Antenna Array Feed for Switchable Beam Applications

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this study, a multi‐planar Vivaldi antenna‐fed parabolic reflector antenna is presented for wideband applications operating from the L‐band to beyond S‐band. The proposed antenna is designed for high‐gain beam‐steering applications in electronic warfare such as surveillance radar, RF jammer transmitter, and drone countermeasure systems. The Vivaldi‐type feeder antenna which operates from 550 MHz to 5 GHz (160.3% bandwidth) is fabricated on a low‐cost FR4 substrate. Innovative gain enhancement techniques, such as corrugations and directive elements are used in the design. The antenna dimensions are 21 × 23.5 × 0.15 cm, and its standing wave ratio (SWR) remains below 2 along the operating band. The Vivaldi fed parabolic reflector antenna yields 5–24.4 dBi gain of within our frequency range starting from 550 MHz up to 5 GHz. Additionally, beam‐steering performance was successfully achieved at ±7° angles. The feed array structure is proposed to obtain switchable beam characteristics. The study was validated through full‐wave three‐dimensional electromagnetic simulations, followed by measurements of the fabricated prototype which is compatible with simulation results.