Comparative Analysis of C/OCGA Sparse Horn Antenna Structures at Different Frequencies

Currently, the research and development of novel antennas that offer reduced mass and size compared to conventional antennas while maintaining high performance is a significant objective. Particularly in wideband applications, meeting complex requirements to achieve these goals is crucial. The optimal current grid approximation and its modified version for wire-grid antennas show great promise in generating sparse antennas with controlled design integrity characteristics while minimizing mass. These approximation approaches offer the advantage of reducing resource requirements and enabling precise control of antenna characteristics in future modeling. However, it is essential to consider that as the frequency changes, the current distribution across the grid wires varies, resulting in different sparse structures after applying these approaches. This paper focuses on thoroughly investigating and comparing the performance of the obtained sparse antenna structures within the antenna operating frequency band. The study applies these approaches to a model of a 3D printed perforated horn antenna designed for X-band operation. Sparse structures obtained at three key frequencies in the antenna bandwidth (8, 10, and 12 GHz), are used. The paper extensively discusses the advantages and limitations of these sparse structures, providing valuable recommendations for selecting the most appropriate one for specific applications. By understanding the performance differences of sparse antennas at different operating frequencies, this research aims to enhance the efficiency of sparse antenna design.