Practical design of Ku band Vivaldi antenna array

Abstract

In the paper, a practical design of a Ku-band Vivaldi antenna array for compact radar system is presented. The realized gain, the beam width, polarization purity and the possible electronic beamforming in the horizontal plane were the most important requirements. Since the array was requested to show an enhanced mechanical stability, a novel geometry of elements was proposed. The Vivaldi slot was created on two substrates connected by metallic vias suppressing surface currents, and the microstrip feeder was placed in-between those substrates. Simulations are based on special approach in CST Microwave using infinite array of antenna elements, which should reduce computing time.In the paper, a practical design of a Ku-band Vivaldi antenna array for compact radar system is presented. The realized gain, the beam width, polarization purity and the possible electronic beamforming in the horizontal plane were the most important requirements. Since the array was requested to show an enhanced mechanical stability, a novel geometry of elements was proposed. The Vivaldi slot was created on two substrates connected by metallic vias suppressing surface currents, and the microstrip feeder was placed in-between those substrates. Simulations are based on special approach in CST Microwave using infinite array of antenna elements, which should reduce computing time.