Design and Optimization of Artificial Magnetic Conductor for Aperture Coupled SatCom Antenna

In this study, we propose a single antenna structure that is capable of transmit and receive operations for the entire Ku band, eliminating the use of separate antennas for communication. However, such broadband system demand careful ground plane design for optimum antenna characteristics. We propose an aperture coupled microstrip antenna (ACMA) using artificial magnetic conductor (AMC). In general, AMC structure can be used to reduce antenna profile, enhance gain, radiation efficiency and bandwidth of the antenna, if designed properly. Structure of the AMC and its parameter optimization is carried out under plane wave excitation, i.e., far field conditions, but the design is further optimized for antenna performance where near field effects are vital for antenna operation. Antenna performances with and without AMC loaded ground are compared to each other. Simulations are performed using CST Microwave Studio, 3D electromagnetic field solver. Simulation results show that ground with loaded AMC structure has better radiation efficiency, gain and wider impedance bandwidth than standalone PEC ground. Antenna has impedance bandwidth measured as VSWR < 2.5 : 1 range from 10.5-14.65 GHz (32.8% fractional bandwidth) covering entire receive and transmit bands at Ku band with an average 8.5 dBi broadside gain.