A compact high gain planar microstrip array for mobile satellite communication

This paper describes the design and development of a low profile phased array suitable for INMARSAT Standard-M vehicular satellite communications. The array consists of twelve dual layer elements symmetrically positioned on a circular disk. The lower microstrip patches are fed directly to radiate right-handed circular polarization while the upper patches act as parasitic elements. Optimization has been carried out to improve the impedance bandwidth and to enhance the radiation characteristics. The array is designed to yield a fixed beam in the middle of the required elevation coverage region and is mechanically rotated in the azimuth plane. Its performance has been characterized within the frequency bands 1530-1559 MHz for receive and 1626.5-1660.5 MHz for transmit