Optimization of Radial Line Slot Array Antenna Feeder Design for Direct Broadcast Satellite Services

Abstract

Ka-Band transponders today in communication satellites requires high bandwidth to meet the demands for high data rates, as a result; modification of the feeder architecture for the Radial Line Slots Array Antennas (RLSA) to meet this dire need at 28GHz becomes pertinent. This paper presents Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) as a tool for optimization of beamsquint radial equations antenna feeder parameters such as exact precision on air gaps and dimensions suitable for the customization of the conventional SMA connector which guarantees enhanced bandwidth realization for the Ka Band (26 – 30) GHz required for Direct Broadcast Satellite Services (DBS) applications. Numerical solutions realized from the ABC algorithm using MATLAB computations were included in a visual BASIC program deposited into the macros of CST 2017 for pattern generation and antenna radiation characteristics computations. A radiation efficiency value of 97% was achieved, Bandwidth of 60.50% and Gain of 22dBi were achieved. Results were compared with earlier studies on Ka Band (26 – 30) GHz and shows remarkable improvement in bandwidth utilization using this optimal feeder optimiz ation technique implored.