Reflector Antenna with Improved Performance

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a simple, practical, and low cost antenna design for effective transmission and reception of communication signals. The antenna design employs a spherical reflector and a feed that is positioned pointing substantially downward, where the relative orientation of the reflector and feed are adjustable. This design offers several advantages. The spherical reflector used in this antenna design provides for the opportunity of multiple feeds to be used on the same antenna, and is compatible with a range of frequencies and polarizations. This possibility can significantly reduce the terminal system complexity by eliminating the need for expensive tracking mechanisms. The viability of satellite (and terrestrial) communications systems at Ka-band and higher frequencies in wet environments (e.g. rain) depends significantly on the performance of the ground antennas. Attenuation on the order of 10dB occurs due to wetting of the antennas’ radiating surfaces, requiring expensive and technologically difficult compensation methods. This new antenna design provides for strongly improved performance, with attenuations at Ka-bands of less than 1 dB in wet environments. Advantages:

The ability for a multi‐feed system using a single antenna

Greatly reduced rain attenuation of signals in Ka and higher bands (< 1 dB)

Reduced cost antennas and terminals

Type of Offer: Licensing



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