A Study into the Assessment of FSS Satellite Antenna Reference Radiation

Pattern Envelopes

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SUMMARY

The Radiocommunications Agency of the Department of Trade and Industry has commissioned a study into the
assessment of FSS satellite antenna reference radiation pattern envelopes to address the points highlighted within ITU-R
Working Party 4A regarding ITU-R Rec. S.672-2.

Satellite antenna patterns have a significant effect on the utilisation of the satellite orbit. To achieve efficient use of the
orbit, it is necessary to control the degree of interference between different satellite networks. By introducing
recommendations for the radiation characteristics of both satellite and earth station antennas, the designs can be
influenced in such a way as to minimise this interference level. Recommends 1 of Recommendation ITU-R Rec. S.672-2
proposes a reference pattern envelope for single feed circular or elliptical beam spacecraft antennas in the fixed satellite
service. However, some of the expressions are not complete, or they have been marked as needing further study.
Furthermore, recently these levels have been made more stringent to allow closer spacing of the satellites in the orbits.

The aim of the study was to complete the antenna radiation pattern envelope characteristics specified in Recommends 1
of Recommendations ITU-R S.672-2, which relate to single feed for both circular or elliptical beam FSS spacecraft
antenna for geostationary and non-geostationary systems.

In addition, the study required that proposals be made to classify the cross-polar radiation pattern requirements which are
appropriate for single feed FSS spacecraft antennas.
The scope of the Programme of work was for the study to form the basis for the revisions to Recommends 1 of ITU-R
Rec. S.672-2, together with the characterisation of the cross-polar components and to prepare an input submission to
Working Party 4A proposing a revision to Recommends 1 of ITU-R Rec. S.672-2.

A series of computations has been performed analysing typical reflector configurations that can be used for the FSS
spacecraft antennas with single feed, to determine the patterns that can be achieved for both circular and elliptical beams.
For the cross-polar component specifications the recommendations for BSS spacecraft antennas have been taken as the
basis for the FSS spacecraft antennas requirements. Suggestions for both the co-polar and cross-polar components
sidelobe envelope pattern are included in this report.

1. Introduction

The Radiocommunications Agency of the Department of Trade and Industry has commissioned a study into the
assessment of FSS satellite antenna reference radiation pattern envelopes to address the points highlighted within ITU-R
Working Party 4A regarding ITU-R Rec. S.672-2.

To achieve efficient use of the satellite orbit, it is necessary to control the degree of interference between different satellite
networks. By introducing recommendations for the radiation characteristics of both satellite and earth station antennas,
the designs can be influenced in such a way as to minimise this interference level. Recommends 1 of Recommendation
ITU-R Rec. S.672-2 shown in Table 1, specifies the antenna radiation pattern envelope for single feed circular or elliptical
beam spacecraft antennas in the fixed satellite service (FSS). The patterns given by (3) and (4) of Table 1are applicable to
circular beam antennas, but further study is required for elliptical beams. The recommendations of Table 1 should be used
as design objective outside the coverage area.

The aim of the study was to complete the antenna radiation pattern envelope characteristics specified in Recommends 1
of Recommendations ITU-R S.672-2, which relate to single feed circular or elliptical beam FSS spacecraft antenna for
both geostationary and non-geostationary systems.

It is recognised and accepted that tightening the satellite antenna radiation pattern envelope, encourages the use of
greater orbit-efficient antennas which should lead to increased orbit capacity.
In addition, the study required that proposals be made to classify the cross-polar radiation pattern requirements which are
appropriate for single feed FSS spacecraft antennas.

The overall objectives of the study were:

To determine the equations to cover the full ±180 degrees for the off-axis co-polar pattern requirements for spacecraft
antennas specified within Recommendation ITU-R Rec. S.672-2.

To complete the coefficients table for LN = -30 dB in Table 1.

To propose a value for the far-sidelobe level, LF.

To propose reference patterns for the cross-polar radiation pattern requirements which are appropriate for single feed FSS
satellite antennas.

The scope of the Programme of work was for the study to form the basis for the revisions to Recommends 1 of ITU-R
Rec. S.672-2, together with the characterisation of the cross-polar components and to prepare an input submission to
Working Party 4A proposing a revision to Recommends 1 of ITU-R Rec. S.672-2.

In Section 2 of this report, the approach undertaken to perform the study is described. In Section 3 suggestions for the co-
polar pattern sidelobe envelope for FSS spacecraft antennas are described and in Section 4 the cross-polar specification
is discussed. With regard to the cross-polar performance specification, it is true that certain reflector antenna system
geometries (i.e. dual offset or circularly symmetric) can be designed which minimise or practically eliminate the reflector
generated cross-polar contribution, the cross-polar performance of the system being primarily determined by the feed
horn pattern. The recommendations described in Section 4 for the cross-polar specification are based on recent
developments in feed horn designs and the recommendations for BSS spacecraft antennas.

Table 1 : Recommends 1 of ITU-R Rec. S.672-2

 Pattern Envelope
Region
(dBi)

G (Y) = GM -3 (Y/Yb)a Yb < Y < a Yb 1

G (Y) = GM + LN a Yb < Y < b Yb 2

G (Y) = X -25 log (Y) b Yb < Y < Y 3

G (Y) = LF Y < Y < 180° 4

where:

GM : Maximum gain in the main lobe (dBi)

G (Y) : Gain at the angle Y from the main beam direction (dBi)
Yb : One-half the 3 dB beamwidth in the plane of interest (degrees)
LN : Near-in-sidelobe level in dB relative to the peak gain
LF : Far-sidelobe level (dBi)
X : GV + LN + 25 log (b.Yb)
Y : b.Yb.10 0.04(GM + LN - LF)
Provisionally LF = 0 dBi

and a, b and a for LN = -20 dB, -25 dB and -30 dB are given below (LN = -30 dB requires further study).

LN (dB) a b a
 -20 2.58 6.32 2

-25 2.88 6.32 2

-30 - 6.32 -

2. Technical Approach

2.1 Introduction

Satellite antenna patterns have a significant effect on the utilisation of the Satellite orbit, particularly when narrow
beamwidths are employed. To achieve efficient use of the orbit, it is necessary to control the degree of interference
between different Satellite networks. The recommendations of ITU-R Rec. S.672-2 propose a reference pattern envelope
for single feed spacecraft antennas. However, some of the expressions are not complete, or they have been marked as
needing further study. Furthermore, recently these levels have been made more stringent to allow closer spacing of the
Satellites in the orbits.

The radiation pattern of the Satellite antenna is important in the region of the main lobe as well as the sidelobes. The
particular type of antenna utilised depends on frequency, beamwidth and launch vehicle payload envelope, determining
physical size and mass. Minimum beamwidth depends upon the precision with which the Satellite altitude can be
stabilised as well as service requirements such as area of coverage and frequency re-use.

Many spacecraft are currently using offset reflector antennas, but for completeness, both front fed and offset systems are
discussed in this report. Dual reflector systems are implicitly included by considering the equivalent front fed system,
which is sufficient for the co-polar pattern evaluation. The feed spillover for a front-fed reflector is similar to the
subreflector spillover passing the main reflector. In the dual reflector system, however, the feed spillover is in the forward
direction, but designs can be implemented with feed spillover compliant to the specified templates and high efficiency
achieved by shaping both the main and subreflector surfaces.
A series of computations has been performed analysing typical reflector configurations that can be used for the FSS
spacecraft antennas with single feed, to determine the patterns that can be achieved for both circular and elliptical beams.

The validity and accuracy of analysis techniques to determine the radiation pattern of reflector antennas are limited for
specific geometries or certain region of space. The physical optics integration technique is the most widely used technique
for the analysis of reflector antennas. It provides accurate results in the main beam region and the first few near-in
sidelobes. The geometrical theory of diffraction (GTD) is then used to account for diffraction and to calculate the wide
angle sidelobe radiation pattern. In addition, the feed spillover is included by straightforward superposition of the fields.
For circularly symmetric reflectors, front-fed or dual geometry, subreflector or feed blockage is included as a shadow or
projected shadow on the main reflector surface. Supporting strut scattering contributes, in general to the wide angle
sidelobe levels. Techniques to minimise strut scattering, by shaping or geometry, are available. For the purposes of the
present studies, strut scattering is not included in the computations but a margin is allowed between the computed
sidelobe levels and the proposed sidelobe envelope.

Figure 1 and Table 2 summarise the region and contributions to the radiation pattern for a reflector antenna. In Region I
(Forward axial region), physical optics integration is used over the reflector surface. The feed backlobe radiation is also
added, but this is expected to be low and cause minimum and negligible effect to the reflector patterns. In addition, central
blockage introduced to account for the feed or subreflector in a circularly symmetric system contributes to the pattern in
Region I resulting, primarily, to an increased first sidelobe level which relates to the blockage ratio relative to the main
reflector diameter.

In Region II, (Far-out sidelobes) the contribution to the pattern comes from the reflector edge and the feed spillover. In
Region III (Backlobes) only the edge of the reflector contributes, since the direct feed radiation pattern is blocked by the
reflector. Finally, Region IV (Rear axial region), is a caustic for the GTD rays that emanate from the edge of the reflector
resulting in the sidelobe level to be increased and creating spikes of very narrow width. In practice, the support or
mounting structure of the antenna destroy the resonances and the tendency is to accept the spikes even if they exceed
the sidelobe template.

The computations were performed for both circular and elliptical beams. The elliptical beams were achieved by using an
elliptical projected aperture for the main reflector. The sidelobe level designs were achieved by changing the tapered edge
illumination from the feed. The lower the illumination is at the edge, the lower the sidelobe levels. However, for circularly
symmetric reflectors, the central blockage representing the feed or subreflector, dominated the level of the first sidelobe
resulting in levels which could not be reduced. In this situation, the central blockage was adjusted accordingly so that the
sidelobe designs could be achieved. The selected edge tapers and blockage diameters where necessary are detailed fully
in the relevant sections that follow.

Table 2 : Contributions and Analysis Techniques for Reflector Antennas

- Feed radiation
REGION I
- Reflector radiation PO
Forward axial region
- Central blockage
- Feed radiation
REGION II
- Reflector radiation GTD
Far sidelobes
- Struts
REGION III
- Reflector edge radiation GTD
Backlobes
REGION IV
- Reflector edge radiation GTD
Rear axial region
 Fig. 1 : Regions for reflector analysis and pattern contributions

2.2 Offset Reflector Computations

A schematic of the offset reflector geometry is given in Fig. 2, where an elliptical projected aperture is shown. For circular
beams the projected aperture is circular. The geometry in terms of the F/D ratio, offset angle qo and x-direction illumination
angle q* is maintained for all reflector diameters and it is given in Table 3. The illumination angle in the y-direction is
adjusted according to the ellipticity required.

Table 4 summarises the computations undertaken. The range covers small reflectors (about 20 wavelengths) to very large
reflectors (about 320 wavelengths) with major to minor axes ratio varying from 1:1 (circular beam) to 3.9:1 which is
considered as an extreme case. Since the value of Dx was kept constant for the elliptical beam cases, geometries for
which Dy became less than about 20 wavelengths were omitted.

The edge taper for the two principal planes along the reflector aperture ellipse major and minor axes is kept the same,
given by the level required for the sidelobe designs. An implementation margin of about 3-5 dB has been imposed to
account for mechanical and practical applications. The edge taper for the -20 dB, -25 dB and -30 dB sidelobe designs is
given in Table 5.

Table 3 : Offset Reflector Geometry

F/Dx 1

Offset angle q0 34.26°

Illumination angle q*
25.60°
(x-direction)
2.3 Circularly Symmetric Front-fed Computations

A schematic of the circularly symmetric front-fed reflector geometry is given in Fig. 3, where an elliptical projected aperture
and a circular blockage is shown. The circular blockage is defined by the angle qb. The salient parameters that are
maintained for all reflector diameters are given in Table 6. The illumination angle in the y-direction is adjusted according to
the ellipticity required. Table 7 summarises the computations undertaken. Similar diameters and ellipticity ratios have been
used as in Table 4 for the offset reflectors.

The edge taper and blockage angle for the sidelobe level designs is given in Table 8. For increased ellipticity in the
radiated beam, the blockage angle has to be reduced so that the sidelobe level design can be achieved. Again, a margin
has been allowed for practical applications.

2.4 Cross-polar Component Levels

For a reflector antenna system, the geometry generated cross-polar component can be minimised by using a circularly
symmetric system or a compensated dual offset system. The contribution and limitations to the cross-polarised radiation
are then determined by the feed horn and the components of the feed chain. Recent advances in the design of waveguide
components and feed horns, accompanied by precision machining have improved the expected cross-polar performance
of feed chains. However, for the purposes of the present study, the recommendations for BSS spacecraft antennas have
been taken as the basis for the FSS spacecraft antennas requirements as described in Section 4.

Table 4 : Offset Reflector Computations

Circular beam 1:1 Elliptical Beam Elliptical beam Elliptical beam

Dx by Dy 1.3:1 Dx by Dy 2.6:1 Dx by Dy 3.9:1 Dx by Dy
wavelengths wavelengths wavelengths wavelengths

20 x 20 - - -

40 x 40 40 x 30.8 - -
 50 x 50 50 x 38.5 - -

80 x 80 80 x 61.6 80 x 30.8 -

100 x 100 100 x 77.0 100 x 39.5 100 x 25.6

160 x 160 160 x 123.2 160 x 61.5 160 x 41.0

200 x 200 200 x 154.0 200 x 79.0 200 x 51.2

320 x 320 320 x 246.4 320 x 123.0 320 x 82.0

Table 5 : Offset Reflector Tapers for Sidelobe Designs

Edge taper relative to

Sidelobe design
peak

-20 dB -10 dB

-25 dB -14 dB

-30 dB -18 dB

Table 5 : Offset Reflector Tapers for Sidelobe Designs

 Sidelobe design Edge taper relative to peak

-20 dB -10 dB

-25 dB -14 dB

-30 dB -18 dB

Table 6 : Circularly symmetric Reflector Geometry

F/Dx 0.35

Illumination angle q*
71.08°
(x - direction)

Table 7 : Circularly Symmetric Reflector Computations

Circular beam 1:1 Dx by Elliptical beam 1.3:1 Dx by Elliptical beam 2.6:1 Dx by Elliptical beam 3.9:1 Dx by
Dy wavelengths Dy wavelengths Dy wavelengths Dy wavelengths

20 x 20 - - -

40 x 40 40 x 30.8 40 x 15.4 -

50 x 50 50 x 38.5 50 x 19.3 -
 80 x 80 80 x 61.6 80 x 31.0 -

100 x 100 100 x 77.0 100 x 38.5 100 x 26.0

160 x 160 160 x 123.0 160 x 61.5 160 x 41.5

200 x 200 200 x 154.0 200 x 77.0 200 x 51.0

320 x 320 320 x 246.0 320 x 123.0 320 x 82.0

Table 8 : Circularly symmetric reflector tapers and blockage angles for sidelobe design

Central blockage angle qb

Sidelobe Edge taper Elliptical beam Elliptical beam Elliptical beam

design relative to peak 1:1 and 1.3:1 2.6:1 3.9:1

-20 dB -10 dB 12° 5° 3.5°

-25 dB -14 dB 10° 4° 3°

-30 dB -14 dB 6° 3° 2°
Fig. 2 : Offset reflector geometry
 Fig. 3 : Circularly symmetric front-fed reflector geometry

3. Co-polar Pattern Sidelobe Envelope for FSS Spacecraft Antennas

A key feature of any template or reference pattern associated with any recommendation is its simplicity and applicability to
all types and diameters of antennas. Typical computed radiation patterns for both offset and front-fed reflector systems
are given in Figures1 4 to 24 respectively. The patterns in elevation (x-direction), and azimuth (y-direction), are given for
both the near-in and wide angles. The sidelobe envelopes as given in Table 1 are also included in the figures. Reviewing
the data the envelopes in Table 9 are suggested. The sidelobe envelope specified by Equation 2 in Table 9 is separated
into two sections (2a and 2b) to highlight the relationship of the first sidelobe level to the ratio of the major to the minor
axis of the radiated elliptical beam. For circular beams, the relationship reduces to equation 2 of Table 1. The value of a in
Equation 1 is chosen as 2 and represents a parabolic curve approximating the main beam. The value of a is derived by
considering the intersection between the curves defined by Equations 1 and 2a of Table 9 and must be related to the
ellipticity of the radiated beam. The resulting values are shown in Table 9 where the value of the square roots is 1 for
circular beams. The region given by Equation 4 is also separated into two sections (4a and 4b) corresponding to forward
radiation (y < 90°) and back radiation (y > 90°) respectively. For the wide angle forward radiation the LF = 0 dBi level can
be achieved. However, for the back radiation, feed or subreflector spillover can be higher depending on the sidelobe level
design, the gain and the ellipticity of the radiated beam. The level LB is defined as given in Table 9 which gives 0 dBi or
higher. For a -25 dB sidelobe design, 40 dBi gain and circular beam, LB = 0 dBi. Table 9 also shows the completed values
for LN = -30 dB which are consistent with a = 2 representing a parabolic curve. The values of a, b and a for LN = -30 dB
given in Table 9 are the same as in CCIR Report 558-4, Satellite Antenna Patterns in the Fixed Satellite Service, Study
Programme 1B/4 and are adequate for the present application.

Table 9 : Co-polar Reference Pattern for FSS Satellite Antennas

Pattern Envelope (dBi) Region

G (Y) = GM -3 (Y/Yb)a Yb < Y < a Yb 1

G (Y) = GM + LN + 20 log e a Yb < Y < 0.5 b Yb 2a

G (Y) = GM + LN 0.5 b Yb < Y < b Yb 2b

G (Y) = X -25 log (Y) b Yb < Y < Y 3

G (Y) = LF Y < Y < 90° 4a

G (Y) = LB 90 < Y < 180° 4b

Where in addition to the description of Table 1
e = (major axis / minor axis) for the radiated beam
LF = 0 dBi
LB = 15 + LN + 0.25 GM + 5 log e or 0 dBi whichever is higher

and a, b and a for LN = -20 dB, -25 dB and -30 dB are given below

LN (dB) a b a

-20 2.58 6.32 2

-25 2.88 6.32 2

-30 3.16 6.32 2

4. Cross-polar Reference Pattern for FSS Spacecraft Antennas

The cross-polar performance of a reflector system is primarily determined by the feed radiation pattern. It is suggested
that the specification for the BSS Satellite antennas from ITU-R Working Party 10-11S (proposed in January 1997) can be
used for the FSS Satellite antennas. The reference pattern is given in Table 10. Recent advances in the computer aided
design and analysis of waveguide components, combined with precision machining and manufacture, have enabled feed
chains to be developed that meet stringent cross-polar specification. The required templates given in Table 10 have been
achieved by both earth station and spacecraft feed chains.

Table 10 : Cross-polar reference pattern for FSS Satellite antennas

 Cross Polar gain relative
to Region
co-polar on-axis gain (dB)

G (f) = -35 dB 0 £ (f / f0 ) < 1.75 1

G (f) = -40 -40 log ((f / f0) -1) 1.75 £ (f / f0) < fb 2

G (f) = Curve A (f / f0) ³ fb 3

Curve A = Minus maximum co-polar antenna gain (dB)

f = Off-axis angle (degrees)

f0 = Full 3 dB beamwidth (degrees)

f0 = Intersection angle of equation 2 with Curve A (degrees)

= (degrees)

Annex 1. Figures included in a separate document.

Figs. 4-6 : Offset reflector aperture 100x77 wavelengths;

-20 dB sidelobe. Near-in and wide angle sidelobes

Figs. 7-9 : Offset reflector aperture 100x77 wavelengths;

-25 dB sidelobe. Near-in and wide angle sidelobes.
Figs. 10-12 : Offset reflector aperture 100x77 wavelengths;
-30 dB sidelobe. Near-in and wide angle sidelobes.

Figs. 13-16: Front-fed reflector aperture 100x77 wavelengths;

-20 dB sidelobe. Near-in and wide angle sidelobes.

Figs. 17-20: Front-fed reflector aperture 100x77 wavelengths;

-25 dB sidelobe. Near-in and wide angle sidelobes.

Figs. 21-24: Front-fed reflector aperture 100x77 wavelengths;

-30 dB sidelobe. Near-in and wide angle sidelobes.

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