Design and realization of a novel planar array antenna and low power LNA for Ku-band small satellite communications

This article presents both a four-element novel microstrip array antenna and a low noise amplifier (LNA) for a Ku-band small satellite receiver. It includes all design details with measurement results of the fabricated array antenna and LNA. Measured minimum and maximum gains of the proposed antenna are 10.1 and 10.9 dBi in 11.9{12.9 GHz band frequency. The designed LNA has a noise figure lower than 1.5 dB and gain higher than 8 dB (at 2 V, 10 mA biasing). In order to reduce the design period and cost, discrete components are chosen and a hetero-junction FET is used as the active component because of better Ku band performance and stability. The simulation and fabricated measurement outcomes of the array antenna and LNA show competent and qualified matching that can be practically used together.