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Old August 5th 08, 08:22 PM posted to rec.radio.amateur.antenna
Jerry[_5_] Jerry[_5_] is offline
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First recorded activity by RadioBanter: Jun 2008
Posts: 133
Default Slot Array Antenna Narrow bandwidth


"Chris" wrote in message
...
I've been looking at a few satcom antennas for a project I'm working
on. We were originally looking at parabolic dishes but have recently
taken a look at slot arrays. A low profile solution is desirable
which would lead to a small dish or a low (but very wide) slot array.
Some of the people we've talked to have warned us that slot arrays are
narrow bandwidth. I thought I understood this issue, but I'm
beginning to doubt myself.

Suppose a slot array could transmit at Ka frequencies from 30 to 32
GHz at a bandwidth of 3%. If the center frequency of transmission is
31GHz a 3% bandwidth would be equal to 930MHz or 465MHz on each side
of the center freq. This may be narrow to an antenna designer but
this is more spectrum than we'd ever hope to get on the satellite
anyway. I'm a little confused over why this is an "issue", which
makes me think I have a misunderstanding of the terminology.

Can anyone clear this up for me?


Hi Chris

What directivity is required from this antenna?
Whats the limit of the budget available for the development of the design
of the slot array?

Jerry KD6JDJ