A shared-aperture dual-band dual-polarized microstrip array

This paper describes the design and testing of a prototype dual-band dual-polarized planar array operating at L- and X-bands, The primary objectives were to develop new antenna technology with dual-band and dual-polarization capability in a shared aperture, featuring low mass, high efficiency, and limited beam scanning. The design of a prototype planar microstrip array of 2 x 2 L-band elements interleaved with an array of 12 x 16 X-band elements that meets these requirements is discussed in detail and measured results are presented. The array is modular in form and can easily be scaled to larger aperture sizes.