Multilayer K-Band 4 × 4 Planar Array for Satellite Communications

This paper presents a circularly polarized 4x4 antenna array with beamforming capabilities, operating at 18.9 GHz. The antenna is integrated in a multilayer PCB in a vertical stacking and it can be scaled to fit applications such as new space satellite communications. By using the sequential rotation (SR) technique, it is possible to achieve both for LHCP/RHCP. In this paper, two different SMP mini connectors will be used to measure the resonance of multiple radiating elements testing: 1) the discrepancies between simulation and measurements of the active element and 2) which connector is more suitable for the task at hands.