A highly integrated 3-D printed metallic K-Band passive front end as the unit cell in a large array for satellite communication

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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Author(s)

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Article number8333802
Pages (from-to)2046-2050
Journal / PublicationIEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters
Volume17
Issue number11
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2018
Externally publishedYes

Abstract

We present a three-dimensional (3-D) printed metallic K-band (18-26.5 GHz) passive front end for satellite communication. It is intended to be used as a unit cell in a large antenna array. The proposed front end is composed of a two-stage 1 × 4 power divider, rectangular-to-circular waveguide tapers, and a linear four-element conical antenna array, which are too complex to be fabricated by a traditional machining process in a whole piece. Taking advantage of the 3-D printing technology in realizing complex structures, we achieve a highly integrated passive module. A good agreement is achieved between simulation and measurement. The proposed front end has impedance bandwidth 19-21 GHz, the maximum gain of 15.5 dBi at 21 GHz, and desirable radiation patterns on both E- and H -planes. The influence of fabrication tolerance like the surface roughness and dimensional tolerance are observed and analyzed. Compared with traditionally fabricated metallic microwave passive devices, the proposed work has a shorter turnaround time and a lower cost. Compared with dielectric 3-D printed microwave devices, it features more simplicity in terms of process and better physical robustness. It opens up new possibilities for microwave device fabrication. © 2002-2011 IEEE.

Research Area(s)

  • Conical horn antenna, K-band, power divider, selective laser melting (SLM), surface roughness, three-dimensional (3-D) printing

Bibliographic Note

Publication details (e.g. title, author(s), publication statuses and dates) are captured on an “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” basis at the time of record harvesting from the data source. Suggestions for further amendments or supplementary information can be sent to [email protected].

Citation Format(s)

A highly integrated 3-D printed metallic K-Band passive front end as the unit cell in a large array for satellite communication. / Zhang, Bing; Li, Rongqiang; Wu, Li et al.
In: IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters, Vol. 17, No. 11, 8333802, 01.11.2018, p. 2046-2050.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review