Radiation Performance Comparison and Analysis of Ku-band Microstrip Antennas with Diamond, Octagonal, and Circular Array Configurations

Abstrak

Phased array antennas are essential in modern communication systems, particularly within the Ku-band, which is widely used for satellite communications and radar applications due to its high data rate capabilities. This paper explores the radiation characteristics of Ku-band microstrip antennas arranged in diamond, octagonal, and circular arrays, focusing on uniform excitation to ensure consistency across evaluations. Using CST Microwave Studio 2024 for simulations, the study found that the rectangular array provides the highest gain and narrowest beamwidth, making it suitable for applications where directional accuracy is critical. However, this configuration also resulted in higher sidelobe levels, which can be problematic in environments where minimal interference is required. The diamond array, while exhibiting lower gain, achieved superior sidelobe suppression, making it ideal for scenarios where reducing interference is prioritized over maximizing directivity. The octagonal and circular arrays provided balanced performance across all metrics, offering versatile options for various operational needs. These results provide valuable guidance for optimizing phased array designs to meet specific requirements in Ku-band applications.