Design and Validation of a Reflectarray Antenna with Optimized Beam for Ground Target Monitoring with a DVB-S-Based...

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetics and Antenna Design
• Radar Systems Engineering
• Satellite Communications

Background:

• Passive radar (PR) systems utilizing satellite illuminators require high-gain antennas to overcome signal path loss.
• Achieving adequate angular coverage with a wide enough beamwidth is crucial for effective surveillance.
• Existing antenna solutions may not optimally meet the specific demands of DVB-S based PR.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and optimize a reflectarray antenna for the surveillance channel of a DVB-S based passive radar.
• To achieve a specific sectorial beam pattern through the optimization of contiguous beams.
• To develop a high-gain antenna suitable for long-distance satellite illuminator applications.

Main Methods:

• Design of reflectarray elements with optimized S-curves to cover required phase variations.
• Consideration of real phase and modulus of reflection coefficients for prototype optimization.
• Adaptation of geometry using commercial elements for feed, feed-arm, and aperture support structure.

Main Results:

• A stable gain exceeding 19 dBi across the DVB-S band (10.5-12 GHz) was achieved.
• A sectorial beam with dimensions of 8.7°×5.2° was realized.
• Successful validation in passive radar trials demonstrated car detection up to 600m, outperforming commercial antennas.

Conclusions:

• The developed reflectarray antenna effectively meets the requirements for DVB-S based passive radar surveillance.
• The optimized sectorial beam and high gain significantly improve detection capabilities in terrestrial scenarios.
• This antenna design offers a superior alternative to traditional parabolic dishes for passive radar applications.