Babu Saraswathi K. Lekshmi ¹, I. Jacob Raglend ¹

Affiliations
1 EEE Department, Noorul Islam University, Kumaracoil, Thuckalay, Kanyakumari - 629180, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Vivaldi antenna is a main candidate for phased array antenna. This paper presents the design, testing and measurement of tapered slot antenna with strip line feed which works at X-band frequency. Methods/Statistical analysis: The design of Vivaldi Tapered Slot Antenna (VTSA) and the results of radiation patterns and return loss are obtained through the use of electromagnetic simulation software HFSS. Further, testing and measurement of fabricated Vivaldi antenna using Vector Network Analyzer and radiation patterns are observed in Anechoic Chamber. Findings: The designed VTSA satisfies the requirements on the maximum reflection coefficient which is less than -10dB. The half power beam width of 120o in H-plane and 110o in E-plane with gain of 3-dB for single element is obtained, and satisfies the requirements of Voltage Standing Wave Ratio < 2 for X-band frequency. The S-parameter, radiation characteristics, and gain simulations for the VTSA are given to verify the design concepts. The measured beam width around 90o is achieved in vertical polarization at X-band frequency. Design of linear array of 7-elements is presented and simulated return loss for center element is achieved less than -10dB including mutual coupling effects. The good radiation characteristics are obtained with gain 9.2 dB for linear array. In this work a Vivaldi notch antenna element is fed by Stripline and may be coupled electromagnetically by tapered transitions. The simulated and fabricated results are in good agreement. Application/ Improvements: The results established that the designed Vivaldi Tapered Slot Antenna is a suitable candidate for X-band active phased array for airborne radar applications.

Keywords

Phased Array, Radar, Vivaldi Antenna, Widebeam, X-Band Frequency

Full Text

   

Babu Saraswathi K. Lekshmi ¹, I. Jacob Raglend ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Noorul Islam University, Kumaracoil - 629180, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Vivaldi antenna is a prime candidate for wide band applications. This work involves a design of miniaturized tapered slot antenna operating with X-band frequency to achieve wide scan capability, wide beam, maximum gain and minimum return loss for active phased array antenna. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The design of Vivaldi Exponentially Tapered Slot Antenna (VETSA) and analysis of radiation patterns, return loss, beam width and scan angle are done through the use of electromagnetic simulation software HFSS. The analysis was carried out in 3D and 2D. Further, testing and measurement of fabricated Vivaldi antenna using Vector Network Analyzer and radiation patterns are observed in Anechoic Chamber. Design of linear array and planar array is also presented. Findings: VETSA satisfies the requirements on the maximum reflection coefficient < -10 dB for ±60o scan from broadside in E-and H-planes. The realized antenna showed a symmetric pattern, minimum return loss, better 3-dB beam width in principal planes with gain of 3-dB, and VSWR ≤ 2 in X-band frequency. The result of linear array with 9-elements demonstrates good radiation characteristics with gain of 13 dB with low SLL including coupling effects in the X-band operating frequency. The uniformly illuminated array beam pattern shows that the array can scan over the desired scan volume of ±60o in E-plane and ±55o in H-plane. VETSA is a promising candidate to operate in wideband frequency with wide scanning performance in airborne radar applications. Application/Improvements: The designed antenna structure and array are good candidates and is expected to find applications in integration with monolithic millimeter-wave integrated circuits on combat aircraft.

Keywords

HFSS Software, Radar, Tapered Slot Antenna, Wideband, Widebeam

Full Text