Prototype of a dual-circularly polarized parabolic reflector antenna with microstrip antenna array for 12-GHz band satellite broadcasting reception

A 12-GHz (11.7 to 12.75 GHz) band satellite service with dual-circular polarization has been studied for transmission channels to deliver advanced broadcasting services such as 8K Super Hi-Vision in Japan. A right- and left-hand circularly polarized parabolic reflector antenna will make it possible to receive the services provided over the dual-circular polarization with a single reflector antenna. We manufactured and tested a dual-polarization offset reflector antenna that has a feed antenna composed of a 2 × 2 microstrip antenna array. Measured results showed that the antenna gain was 33.7 dBi and that the cross polarization discrimination was 25 dB. This demonstrates that our design is valid for a dual-circularly polarized antenna for 12-GHz band satellite broadcasting reception.