Sensitivity analysis of faceted reflector antennas and a contour beam synthesis technology

Faceted reflectors are widely utilised in the application of satellite deployable antennas. The sensitivity analysis with respect to surface deformation is an essential part in the error evaluation for distorted reflector antennas. In this study, the sensitivity analysis of electrical radiation performance with respect to surface deformation for faceted reflectors is investigated. A contour beam pattern synthesis technology is proposed for the faceted reflector antennas based on sensitivity analysis, with considering the special characteristics of flat facets. Two faceted reflectors are simulated to show their directivity sensitivity with respect to surface nodal displacement, and a contour beam covering the continental United States (CONUS) with the desired directivity is obtained by shaping a single offset faceted reflector antenna.