Shared-aperture dual-band orthogonally polarised antenna array for L-band and S-band applications

In this work, a novel dual-band orthogonally polarised, the shared-aperture array is proposed for the L-band and S-band frequencies. An elliptical monopole antenna is used as a radiating element in the proposed array. In this design, the common inter-element spacing is used for both the bands. Owing to this, L- and S-band arrays have the same number of elements. The L-band radiators are closely placed and designed taking the mutual coupling into account. The S-band antenna follows the traditional array design process. The inter-band coupling is reduced by using a metallic ridge in the reflector of the array. This array can be used in the dual-band radar applications. The proposed methodology offers the modular, low-profile and low-cost solution for a large array. To verify the proposed concept, a prototype array of 4 x 4 elements for each band has been fabricated and tested.