Potential of 3D-Printed Helical Antenna for Kuband Applications

This paper presents an additively manufactured helical antenna designed for application in the Ku band, spanning the frequency range of 10.5 GHz to 14.5 GHz. The design of this antenna incorporates a method for optimizing impedance, thereby enhancing bandwidth, and it is bolstered by a robust support structure that ensures antenna stability. Measured results shows the antenna's exceptional performance, characterized by a return loss of under -10dB across the 10.5GHz-14.5GHz ultrawide wideband frequency range, accompanied by an impressively broad-side antenna beamwidth of about 35° to 40°. Within the primary radiation lobe, the axial ratio remains below 3 dB, a testament to the manufacturing precision. The proposed manufacturing and design approach represents a significant leap towards enabling intricate antenna geometries, paving the way for technological advancements. This band antenna emerges as a vital asset for satellite communication and holds substantial potential within the realm of ultra-wideband communication systems.