Dual polarized array antenna

A microstrip-implemented beam-forming network for an antenna having an array of radiating elements, comprising:

• a printed circuit board (PCB) having a top element and a bottom element;
• a distribution network, etched as a microstrip circuit along the top element and connected to each of the radiating elements, for communicating electromagnetic signals from and to each of the radiating elements;
• a ground plane, comprising a continuous conductive surface, extending substantially along the bottom element,
• a plurality of machined slots, each positioned along the PCB at appropriate spaced-apart locations to support the mounting of the radiating elements for connection to the beam forming network;
• and
• a plurality of plated-through holes, positioned along the PCB, for providing electrical connections from the top element to the bottom element of the PCB, whereby each plated-through hole boosts current carrying capability and reduce the RF impedance for the current path of the electrical connection.

An antenna system for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals, comprising:

• a plurality of dual polarized radiators, each comprising a crossed dipole pair having a first dipole element and a second dipole element positioned orthogonal to each other;
• a distribution network, connected to each of the radiators, for communicating the electromagnetic signals between an input port and each of the radiators;
• and
• a ground plane positioned generally parallel to and spaced apart from the radiators,
• wherein each radiator of the crossed dipole pair has a non-identical reflection coefficient, thereby terminating the distribution network to achieve a desired network input impedance by allowing phase and amplitude characteristics of the reflection coefficients of the first and second dipole elements to cancel reflected energy at the network input port.