The shaped dual offset reflector antenna configuration is considered to
yield the best radiation pattern performance for FSS ground stations operating in a
small angle satellite spacing environment, where the present trend is a continuo
tightening of offaxis radiation levels specifications. When properly designed and
fitted with a low crosspolarization primary feed, the shaped dual offset reflector
antenna radiation pattern can easily meet the present ITU-R recommendation (29-
25log(6)), achieving simultaneously high aperture efficiencies, above go per cent, and
low levels for the crosspolarization peaks in the azimuth radiation pattern plane.
However, widespread utilization of this configuration is still curbed by the higher
manufacture costs when these are compared, for instance, with the cost required
for the manufacture of symmetrical dual reflector antennas.
In this paper, the possibility of reducing the manufacture costs for the dual
offset configuration is explored by utilizing the parabolic offset reflector as the
main reflector, and shaping only the subreflector. This solution can be very cost
reduction effective, particularly for manufacturers that already have a highly
diversified production of single offset antennas. Selected reflectors could then be
easily utilized as the main reflector in a dual offset design fit with a suitably
shaped subreflector. This configuration when compared with the classical one has
the advantage of hrnishing the higher efficiency considered compatible with the
double offset configuration.
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