Dual-band radiating element and modular antenna array
A dual band radiating element and modular antenna array suitable for application in space communications is provided. The dual band radiating element comprises a stacked patch antenna for transmitting RF signal of a first signal frequency band (e.g. S-Band) and receiving RF signals of a second signal frequency band (e.g. L-Band). The concentric design of the radiating element can achieve savings in material and mass compared to other stacked patch antennas. For effective operation in space applications, a first radiation patch in the radiating element is isolated from a second radiation patch by shielding a feed pin to the first radiation patch as it travels through the dielectric layer separating the patches. Individual radiating elements can be attached to individual filter/amplification units in a modular antenna array allowing for individual components to be easily installed, repaired or replaced with minimal impact to the rest of the antenna array and/or spacecraft.
1 . A dual band radiating element configured for removable installation in a radiating array, the dual band radiating element comprising:
a first radiating patch and a second radiating patch;
a first dielectric layer interposing the first radiating patch and the second radiating patch, the first dielectric layer selected for compatibility with the first radiating patch;
a second dielectric layer interposing the second radiating patch and a single ground plane, the second dielectric layer selected for compatibility with the second radiating patch, the first and second dielectric layers being separate;
a single base plate, comprising:
a top surface adjacent to the ground plane; and
a bottom surface having a first connector and a second connector disposed thereon without intervening dielectric substrate between the bottom surface and the first and second connectors,
wherein the connectors are disposed on the base plate at locations corresponding to an array position of the dual band radiating element within the radiating array;
a first feed pin for relaying radio frequency signals from the first connector to the second radiating patch via a first port in the second dielectric layer;
a second feed pin for relaying radio frequency signals from the second connector to the first radiation patch via a second port in the second dielectric layer;
a single feed network for routing the first feed pin and the second feed pin to the first port and the second port, respectively, wherein the top surface of the base plate and the ground plane enclose the single feed network; and
at least one aperture configured to receive a mechanical fastener to removably attach the dual band radiating element to the radiating array at the array position.
2 . The radiating element of claim 1 , wherein the second pin is shielded by the second port as the second pin passes through the second dielectric layer, to isolate the first radiating patch from the second radiating patch.
3 . The radiating element of claim 2 , wherein the second port is a coaxial waveguide.
4 . The radiating element of claim 1 , wherein the feed network comprises:
a third dielectric layer and a fourth dielectric layer.
5 . The radiating element of claim 4 , wherein the third dielectric layer and the fourth dielectric layer are constructed of the same material.
6 . The radiating element of claim 1 , wherein the first radiating patch, the first dielectric layer, the second radiating patch and the second dielectric layer form concentric layers.
7 . The radiating element of claim 6 , wherein the first radiating patch is centered on the second radiating patch and covers about 50% of the surface area of second radiating patch.
8 . The radiating element of claim 7 , wherein the first radiating patch and the second radiating patch are substantially circular.
9 . The radiating element of claim 6 , wherein the first dielectric layer is centered on the second dielectric layer.
10 . The radiating element of claim 1 , wherein the first radiating patch is configured to transmit an RF signal of a first frequency band and the second radiating patch is configured to receive an RF signal of a second frequency band.
11 . The radiating element of claim 1 , wherein the base plate is constructed of aluminum.