Dual-Polarized Connected-Slot Array Technological Demonstrator targeting a 5:1 Bandwidth

This contribution presents a technological demonstrator of a connected slot array (CSA) aperture developed in the framework of the European PADR CROWN project. This CSA has been developed for dual-polarized, multi-octave radar operation, targeting a bandwidth ratio of 5:1 and scanning angles up to 60° in all planes. The array is manufactured using printed-circuit board (PCB) process. A digital twin is implemented and used to accurately compare measurements to simulations of the manufactured finite-sized array, in order to assess the fabrication process.