K-/Ka-Band Shared-Aperture Dual-CP Phased Array Based on Amplitude-Regulated Sequential Feeding for Satellite Communication

Satellite communication (SATCOM) is essential for 6G networks, supporting space–air–ground integrated network (SAGIN) and global coverage especially in remote and mobile scenarios. This work proposes a novel dual-band dual-circularly polarized (CP) shared-aperture phased array using amplitude-regulated sequential feeding (ARSF) for simultaneous K-band (downlink) and Ka-band (uplink) CP operation in SATCOM. Theoretical analysis demonstrates that amplitude regulation between multiple linearly polarized (LP) components enables effective CP synthesis despite significant phase gradient φ deviates from 90°, allowing for broader CP bandwidth (over 100%) or dual-band CP operation without complex phase shift networks. The dual-band (K-/Ka-band) and higher band (Ka-band) elements employ metasurface (MS) as a radiator with identical lamination stack-up. Subsequently, the proposed K-/Ka-band shared-aperture array is constructed by 4 × 4 dual-band elements and eight higher band elements to ensure dual-band wide-angle scanning capacity. Both simulated and measured results confirm the dual-band operation. The array achieves scanning angles up to ±55° in K-band and ±60° in Ka-band, with axial ratio (AR) and gain drops ≤ 5 dB. Practical implementations could necessarily scale the array to achieve uniform scanning angle (e.g., ±60°) across bands while preserving transmit/receive (Tx/Rx) frequency division duplexing. This compact, lightweight, low-cost array offers high integration and wide-angle scanning capabilities, which is ideal for 6G Drone applications. © 1963-2012 IEEE.