DMLS 3D-printed active antenna array

Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2020.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis presents the development of an active antenna array for X-band and lower Ku-band frequencies (7.25-12.75 GHz) using modern additive manufacturing technologies. The single-polarized 2D planar antenna array consists of 64 Vivaldi antenna elements. The antenna elements are manufactured using a hybrid aluminium and low-loss dielectric approach. Each antenna element is integrated with an LNA, consisting of commercially available discrete transistors, directly at the feed of the antenna. When terminated with the active antenna impedance, the LNA achieves a simulated noise figure of less than 1.3 dB for scan angles up to θ = 45°. The active embedded element achieves a measured broadside gain of more than 14.7 dBi over the over frequency band.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis beskryf the ontwikkeling van 'n aktiewe antenna skikking vir X-band en laer Ku-band frekwensies deur gebruik te maak van moderne 3D-druk tegnieke. Die enkel gepolariseerde planere skikking bestaan uit 64 Vivaldi antenna elemente. Die antenna elemente bestaan uit 'n kombinasie van aluminium en 'n lae-verlies dielektrikum. Elke antenna word ge ntegreer met 'n lae-ruis versterker by die voer van die antenna element. Die versterkers is vervaardig van kommersi eel beskikbare diskrete transistors. Wanneer die ontwerpte lae-ruis versterker getermineer word met die aktiewe impedansie van die antenna skikking, is die gesimuleerde ruissyfer laer as 1.3 dB oor die hele frekwensie band tot 'n skanderings hoek van θ = 45°. Die gemete aanwins van die antenna element in die omgewing van die antenna skikking is meer as 14.7 dBi oor die ontwerpte frekwensie band.Master