Microstrip Feed Line Characterization for Parabolic Reflector Antenna System Using Open-Loop Characterization Approach

Aperture efficiency determines the percentage of radiation power incident upon the antenna available at the feed-point. Because the geometry of reflector is fixed, the behavior is primarily a function of the feed. The feed line that connects (transmit/receive) RF to the feed becomes an integral part of the system, so achieving maximum aperture efficiency depends on the capacity of feed line. This paper proposes a microstrip feed line behavioral model for parabolic reflector antenna systems, using an open loop characterization approach. The dielectric loss of material varies based on material type. This is consequently used for the effective design of feed line, because the transmission line characteristic impedance varies based on material type and properties. This causes the reflection loss because of the mismatched impedance at both source and load. Loss tangential factor of a material type has notable impact on the loss profile. The developed model is analyzed with losses of the feed pattern and the distance between the edge and the vertex. The proposed attenuation factor can be used to predict loss intensity per feed line length, at different terrestrial and satellite communications frequency bands.