Design of Dual-Band Multimode Profiled Smooth-Walled Horn Antenna for Satellite Communication

This letter is concerned with design and development of a new dual-band multimode profiled smooth-walled horn (DBPH) at Ku-band (uplink and downlink frequency bands). The horn is analyzed and optimized using mode-matching-technique-based software (Mician Wave wizard). Predicted radiation patterns and properties of the DBPH are compared to corresponding measured results showing good agreement. Relatively higher edge of coverage (EOC) gain and low cross-polar level at EOC is achieved with optimized DBPH by synthesizing higher order modes TE(1m) and TM(1m) in proper ratio of amplitude and phase. An innovative modified hyperbolic profile is used to optimize the various performance objectives. The DBPH also provides higher bore-sight gain, higher aperture efficiency, and slightly wider beam (i.e. lower roll-off) in comparison to a conical horn having similar aperture dimension and length. The horn would be used as an element of a direct radiating horn cluster for multibeam satellite antenna application.