A Metasurface-based Cross-slot Aperture Coupled Antenna Array for Ku-band Satellites in Reception

The demand for cost-effective, low-profile user terminals for satellite communications supporting multicast services for Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites, has become a key focus for many Direct-to-Home (DTH) providers where the high data rates in the downlink are required. Planar antenna arrays with increased frequency bandwidth and improved ratio using metasurfaces are considered as an effective solution for such systems. This paper presents a low-cost, aperture-coupled metasurface-enhanced patch antenna, operating within the 10.7-12.7 GHz frequency range. The antenna is designed to achieve a realized gain of at least 27 dBi across the band of interest using 32 × 32 array antennas distributed in a rectangular lattice. Initially configured for linear polarization, the antenna can be upgraded to support dual or circular polarization if required.