Phase-control-integrated LTCC-printed radiating elements for mobile satellite communications

Resumen

This paper presents several design possibilities for full integration of phase control with a LTCC-printed radiating element. The target is to define a high-efficient, low-profile, low-priced radiating element with phase control for using in T/R active phased-array antennas for satellite communications in the K/Ka-band (18-20GHz/28-30GHz). Mobile satellite communications and internet links, mainly for commercial aircrafts, are the applications for these elements to be used. The phase control is done by varactor diodes, though some different options have been considered. All the design proposals implement a three-bit phase control in order to change not only phase, but circular polarization as well. The feeding network consists of a microstrip transmission line, suitable for soldering phase-shift components. The radiating element is a double-stacked circular printed patch in LTCC substrate to reduce losses.