Multiple frequency band, multiple beam microwave antenna system

摘要

A single microwave-reflective antenna "dish" can be used in combination with a plurality of multiple-beam microwave feed arrays to generate or receive multiple-beam-path microwave radiation in several different frequency bands. Each of the feed arrays may operate in a discrete band of frequencies, with the combined radiations of all the arrays illuminating the reflector along a single axis. The optical system is based on the Newtonian model, such that the radiations from several arrays located off the principal axis may be combined by corresponding frequency-sensitive reflective surfaces located on the principal axis. Each of these reflective surfaces serves to direct the radiations from a single feed array toward the reflective antenna, and reciprocally, to direct radiation from the antenna to the associated feed array. By using frequency-sensitive surfaces as reflectors, a number of feed arrays can be positioned along the principal axis, the associated reflectors being reflective only at the frequency of the feed array concerned, and transparent at other frequencies.