A Metallic 3D Printed 20 GHz Unit Cell for Satellite Communications

We present a 3D printed metallic K-band (18-26.5 GHz) passive frontend for satellite communication. Taking the advantage of the 3D printing technology in realizing complex structures, we achieve a highly-integrated passive module. Good agreement is achieved between simulation and measurement. The proposed frontend has impedance bandwidth 19 - 21 GHz, the maximum gain of 15.5 dBi at 21 GHz, and desirable radiation patterns on both E- and H-planes. Compared with traditionally fabricated metallic microwave passive devices, the proposed work has a shorter turn-around time and a lower cost. Compared with dielectric 3D printed microwave devices, it features more simplicity in terms of process and better physical robustness. It opens up new possibilities for microwave device fabrication.