Compact multimode horn with low sidelobes for global Earth coverage

A new multimode corrugated horn is described for full-Earth coverage from a geostationary satellite. The horn has low sidelobes, low cross polarization, and is compact. We outline the design of this horn and compare its performance with other circular horn types, including conventional single and multimode-corrugated horns and dielectric loaded horns. A design was fabricated and measured results are described for return loss, radiation patterns, and axial ratio. These measurements demonstrate excellent agreement with computer predictions using mode-matching software.