Optimization of the Physical Aperture of the Parabolic Reflector Antenna

Abstract

In fields like astronomy and radar technology, high-gain antennas are required for long-distance communication. Due to its relatively large gain, the use of parabolic antennas has become very popular over time, because they can easily achieve gains of above 30 dB at microwave and higher frequencies. Today, most systems' success depends on how well the antennas perform. These antennas are available in different types and sizes. Each antenna's effective area usually has less than the actual physical area of the antenna surface. This means that the unused area of the antenna is massive, and a waste. The aim of the research is to show that the actual physical aperture of a parabolic antenna can be reduced as much as possible to equal the effective area, as given by the antenna formula, thereby saving manufacturing costs, improve the aesthetics. In other words, the focus of this work is to experimentally show that reflector antenna can be made of smaller sizes but better performance. Measurements were taken from different positions from a parabolic antenna, the signal level measured and compared with signal levels for optimal performance.