Products> Antennas >Dual Polarized Antennas > RHCP/LHCP Antennas > Dual-Polarized Scalar Feed Horn Antennas (RHCP | LHCP)
Product Description
Mi-Wave’s Series 268 RHCP/LHCP Scalar Feed Horn Antennas are wideband antennas designed to deliver smooth radiation patterns, stable phase center performance, low VSWR, and predictable beam symmetry across RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave frequency ranges.
Using scalar feed geometry, these antennas help control aperture illumination, reduce sidelobes, improve pattern symmetry, and maintain reliable directivity over broad operating bands.
For advanced polarization architectures, Series 268 antennas can be integrated with Mi-Wave’s Series 281 Orthomode Transducers (OMTs) and Series 282 Linear to Circular RF Polarizers. The Series 281 OMT supports separate Vertical (V) and Horizontal (H) polarization paths within a shared waveguide structure, while the Series 282 Linear to Circular RF Polarizer converts linearly polarized RF energy into Right-Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP) or Left-Hand Circular Polarization (LHCP) operation. Together, these components provide flexible support for dual-linear and circular polarization configurations across microwave and millimeter-wave systems.
Series 268 Scalar Feed Horn Antennas are well suited for satellite communications, radar systems, telemetry platforms, antenna measurement ranges, RF laboratories, EMC testing, and millimeter-wave research applications where stable beam performance, controlled aperture illumination, and precise polarization characteristics are critical.
RF Orthomode Transducers
Linear to Circular RF Polarizer
The standard models shown represent only part of Mi-Wave’s broader product capabilities. Custom configurations are available to support specific frequency bands, interfaces, and application requirements, enabling optimized solutions for specialized RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave systems.
| Model No. | Waveguide Band | Circular Waveguide Internal Diameter (.XXX in Model No.) in Inches | Frequency Range (GHz) | Gain (dB) | 3 dB Beamwidth E Plane (degrees) | 3 dB Beamwidth H Plane (degrees) | Polarization | VSWR | Antenna Port |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 268X-XX/.XXX/39-RH/LHCP-DP 268X-XX/39-RH/LHCP-DP | X-Band | .XXX=1.094 .XXX=.938 .XXX= .797 | 8.2-9.97 8.5-11.6 9.97-12.4 | 15 | 22 | 26 | RHCP | LHCP | 1.5:1 | Circular Waveguide with UG-39/U Flange or WR-90 with UG-39/U |
| 268Ku-XX/.XXX/419-RH/LHCP-DP 268Ku-XX/419-RH/LHCP-DP | Ku-Band | XXX=.660 XXX=.550 | 12.4-14.6 14.6-18 | 15 | 22 | 26 | RHCP | LHCP | 1.5:1 | Circular Waveguide with UG-419/U Flange or WR-62 with UG-419/U |
| 268K-XX/.XXX/595-RH/LHCP-DP 268K-XX/595-RH/LHCP-DP | K-Band | XXX=.470 XXX .396 XXX=.328 | 18-20.5 20.4-24.5 24.5-26.5 | 15 | 22 | 26 | RHCP | LHCP | 1.5:1 | Circular Waveguide with UG-595/U Flange or WR-42 Waveguide with UG-595/U Flange |
| 268A-XX/.XXX/599-RH/LHCP-DP 268A-XX/599-RH/LHCP-DP | Ka-Band | XXX=.328 XXX=.281 XXX=.250 XXX= .219 | 26.5-28.5 28.5-33.0 33.0 -38.5 38.5-40.0 | 15 | 22 | 26 | RHCP | LHCP | 1.5:1 | Circular Waveguide with UG-599/U Flange |
| 268B-XX/.XXX/383-RH/LHCP-DP 268B-XX/383-RH/LHCP-DP | Q-Band | XXX=.250 XXX=.219 XXX=.188 | 33.0-38.5 38.5-43.0 43.0-50.0 | 15 | 22 | 26 | RHCP | LHCP | 1.5:1 | Circular Waveguide with UG-383/U Flange |
| 268U-XX/.XXX/383-RH/LHCP-DP 268U-XX/383-RH/LHCP-DP | U-band | XXX=.219 XXX=.188 XXX=.165 XXX=.141 | 38.5-43.0 43.0-50.0 50.0-58.0 58.0-60.0 | 15 | 22 | 26 | RHCP | LHCP | 1.5:1 | Circular Waveguide with UG-383/U-M Flange |
| 268V-XX/.XXX/385-RH/LHCP-DP 268V-XX/385-RH/LHCP-DP | V-band | XXX=.165 XXX=.141 XXX=.125 | 50.0-58.0 58.0-68.0 68.0-75.0 | 15 | 22 | 26 | RHCP | LHCP | 1.5:1 | Circular Waveguide with UG-385/U Flange |
| 268E-XX/.XXX/387-RH/LHCP-DP 268V-XX/387-RH/LHCP-DP | E-band | XXX=.141 XXX=.125 XXX=.110 XXX=.094 | 60.0-68.0 68.0-77.0 77.0-87.0 87.0-90.0 | 15 | 22 | 26 | RHCP | LHCP | 1.5:1 | Circular Waveguide with UG-387/U Flange |
| 268W-XX/.XXX/387-RH/LHCP-DP 268W-XX/387-RH/LHCP-DP | W-band | XXX=.125 XXX=.110 XXX=.094 XXX=.082 | 75.0-77.0 77.0-87.0 87.0-100.0 100.0-110.0 | 15 | 22 | 26 | RHCP | LHCP | 1.5:1 | Circular Waveguide with UG-387/U-M Flange |
*All data presented is collected from a sample lot.
* Actual data may vary unit to unit, slightly.
*All testing was performed under +25 °C case temperature.
*Consult factory to confirm if material, plating, size, shape, orientation and any electrical parameter is critical for the application as website information is for reference only.
*Millimeter Wave Products, Inc. reserves the right to change the information presented on website without notice as we continue to enhance the performance and design of our products.
Key Features & Performance Benefits
Wideband Frequency Coverage
Supports RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave systems from 8.4 to 220 GHz, reducing the need for multiple antennas in multi-band environments.
RHCP/LHCP Circular Polarization Support
Can be integrated with Mi-Wave’s Series 282 Linear to Circular RF Polarizers to support Right-Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP) or Left-Hand Circular Polarization (LHCP) operation.
Series 281 OMT Compatibility
Compatible with Mi-Wave’s Series 281 Orthomode Transducers (OMTs) for Vertical (V) and Horizontal (H) polarization paths in dual-linear antenna architectures.
Scalar Feed Optimization
Incorporates scalar feed structures to improve radiation efficiency, reduce edge diffraction, and enhance overall antenna performance.
Low VSWR & Broadband Impedance Matching
Provides strong impedance matching across wide frequency ranges, minimizing reflections and maximizing RF power transfer.
Stable Phase Center
Maintains a consistent phase center across frequency, which is critical for reflector feed applications and precision measurement systems.
Symmetrical Radiation Patterns
Designed to produce clean, symmetrical beam patterns with low sidelobes for accurate signal transmission and reception.
Consistent Gain Across Frequency
Delivers predictable gain performance for reliable system operation and repeatable measurement results.
Controlled Reflector Illumination
Ideal for feeding parabolic and offset reflectors, supporting proper illumination and improved aperture efficiency.
Precision Machined Construction
Manufactured using high-precision processes to support repeatable electrical performance and mechanical durability.
Custom Engineering Available
Supports custom frequency ranges, polarization options, OMT integration, Series 282 polarizer configurations, mechanical designs, and system-specific requirements.
Overview: How RHCP/LHCP Scalar Feed Horn Systems Work
Mi-Wave’s Series 268 Scalar Feed Horn Antennas are designed to efficiently illuminate reflector antennas while maintaining smooth radiation patterns, low sidelobes, and stable phase center performance. When combined with the Series 281 Orthomode Transducer (OMT) and Series 282 Linear to Circular RF Polarizer, these feed systems can support Right-Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP) and Left-Hand Circular Polarization (LHCP) operation for satellite communications, radar, telemetry, and high-frequency RF systems.
The process begins with two orthogonal linear polarization signals entering the Series 281 OMT, where Vertical (V) and Horizontal (H) signal paths are separated or combined while maintaining high isolation. The signals then pass through the Series 282 Linear to Circular RF Polarizer, which introduces a controlled phase shift that converts the linear polarization into either RHCP or LHCP. The resulting circularly polarized RF energy is radiated through the Series 268 Scalar Feed Horn, producing a well-controlled illumination pattern for reflector antennas or direct-radiating applications.
This architecture combines the benefits of scalar feed performance, polarization flexibility, and efficient waveguide integration, making it ideal for high-performance microwave and millimeter-wave antenna systems.
Polarization System Overview
Mi-Wave antenna systems can be configured for linear, dual-linear, or circular polarization using compatible waveguide feed components.
Dual-Linear Polarization
Best for systems that need separate Vertical and Horizontal signal paths through the same antenna aperture.
Circular Polarization
Best for systems that need Right-Hand or Left-Hand Circular Polarization to reduce orientation sensitivity and polarization mismatch.
Choosing the Right Polarization Configuration
Use Series 281 OMTs when the system requires simultaneous Vertical and Horizontal polarization channels with high isolation and maximum spectral efficiency.
Add Series 282 Polarizers when RHCP or LHCP operation is required for satellite communications, telemetry, airborne platforms, or applications where antenna orientation may vary.
Select Series 268 Scalar Feed Horns when low sidelobes, stable phase center performance, controlled reflector illumination, and broadband operation are critical to overall antenna system performance.
Scalar Feed Horn Antenna Engineering Calculators
These RF engineering calculators help estimate antenna performance for scalar feed horn antennas, including reflector feed systems, communications platforms, radar systems, antenna measurement ranges, and microwave and millimeter-wave test environments. Use them to calculate antenna gain, beamwidth, aperture size required for target gain, effective aperture, free-space path loss, and wavelength across RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave frequencies.
Scalar feed horn antennas are designed for stable phase center performance, low VSWR, smooth radiation patterns, and controlled reflector illumination. A typical starting efficiency range for many systems is 0.50 to 0.75.
Antenna Gain Calculator
Antenna Gain (dBi):
Antenna Beamwidth Calculator
Aperture Size Required for Target Gain
Antenna Effective Aperture Calculator
Effective Aperture (m²):
Free Space Path Loss Calculator
RF Wavelength Calculator
Wavelength (mm):
Applications
Scalar Feed Horn Antenna Applications
Mi-Wave Scalar Feed Horn Antennas are used in RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave systems requiring stable radiation patterns, low VSWR, controlled illumination, and precise phase center performance.
Reflector Antenna Feed Systems
Widely used as feed antennas for reflector systems requiring accurate illumination and efficiency optimization.
Typical applications include:
- Parabolic reflector antennas
- Cassegrain antenna systems
- Offset reflector configurations
- High-gain antenna systems
- Satellite communication terminals
Antenna Measurement and Calibration
Used in precision environments where repeatability and measurement accuracy are critical.
Typical applications include:
- Antenna gain and pattern measurements
- Near-field and far-field testing
- Calibration reference antennas
- Beam characterization
- RF system validation
RF Test & Measurement Systems
Supports laboratory and production environments requiring stable and predictable RF performance.
Typical applications include:
- RF subsystem testing
- Component characterization
- Instrumentation integration
- Signal integrity analysis
- Broadband measurement setups
Communications Systems
Used in systems requiring controlled radiation patterns and reliable signal transmission.
Typical applications include:
- Microwave communication links
- Millimeter-wave communication systems
- Experimental communication platforms
- Ground station development
- Multi-band communication systems
Radar Systems
Supports radar applications requiring precise beam control and consistent performance.
Typical applications include:
- Radar calibration
- FMCW and pulse radar systems
- Target detection experiments
- Radar system validation
- High-frequency sensing
Research and Development (R&D)
Widely used in research environments for advanced RF system development and testing.
Typical applications include:
- Academic research
- Government laboratories
- Prototype system validation
- Electromagnetic studies
- Antenna design research
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a scalar feed horn antenna?
A scalar feed horn antenna is a specialized horn antenna that incorporates a series of concentric corrugations or scalar rings around the aperture. These features help improve radiation performance by reducing sidelobes, improving beam symmetry, enhancing impedance matching, and providing more uniform reflector illumination.
What are scalar feed horn antennas used for?
Scalar feed horn antennas are commonly used as feed antennas for reflector systems, antenna measurement ranges, satellite communications, radar systems, telemetry platforms, RF laboratories, EMC testing, and millimeter-wave research applications where stable radiation patterns and precise beam control are required.
What frequency range do Mi-Wave Series 268 scalar feed horn antennas support?
Mi-Wave Series 268 Scalar Feed Horn Antennas are available for operation from approximately 8.4 GHz to 220 GHz, supporting a wide range of microwave and millimeter-wave applications.
What makes scalar feed horns different from standard horn antennas?
Unlike standard horn antennas, scalar feed horns utilize corrugated or scalar ring structures that help control the electromagnetic field distribution at the aperture. This results in lower sidelobes, improved beam symmetry, better impedance matching, and more efficient reflector illumination.
Why are scalar feed horn antennas commonly used with reflector antennas?
Scalar feed horns provide controlled illumination of parabolic and Cassegrain reflector antennas while maintaining a stable phase center. This helps improve aperture efficiency, reduce spillover, lower sidelobe levels, and enhance overall antenna performance.
Do scalar feed horn antennas support circular polarization?
Yes. When integrated with Mi-Wave’s Series 282 Linear to Circular RF Polarizers, Series 268 scalar feed horns can support Right-Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP) or Left-Hand Circular Polarization (LHCP) operation. They can also be integrated with Series 281 Orthomode Transducers (OMTs) for dual-linear polarization architectures.
What are the benefits of RHCP and LHCP operation?
Circular polarization helps reduce sensitivity to antenna orientation, minimize polarization mismatch losses, improve signal reliability, and reduce multipath effects. This makes RHCP and LHCP particularly valuable for satellite communications, telemetry systems, radar platforms, and airborne applications.
Do scalar feed horn antennas have low VSWR?
Yes. Series 268 scalar feed horns are designed to provide excellent impedance matching and low VSWR across broad frequency ranges, helping maximize RF power transfer and minimize reflections.
Are scalar feed horn antennas suitable for antenna testing and measurement?
Yes. Their stable phase center, symmetrical radiation patterns, repeatable performance, and low sidelobe characteristics make them ideal for antenna measurement ranges, calibration systems, and RF test environments.
Can scalar feed horn antennas be used at millimeter-wave frequencies?
Yes. Series 268 scalar feed horn antennas are specifically designed for operation across microwave and millimeter-wave frequency bands where precise beam control and predictable radiation performance are critical.
Can Mi-Wave provide custom scalar feed horn antennas?
Yes. Mi-Wave offers custom configurations including frequency bands, gain targets, waveguide interfaces, reflector-feed optimization, OMT integration, RHCP/LHCP capability, mechanical packaging, and application-specific antenna designs.
Glossary of Scalar Feed Horn Antenna Terms
This glossary defines key terminology related to Series 268 Scalar Feed Horn Antennas used in RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave systems. Scalar feed horns are commonly used for reflector feed systems, antenna measurement ranges, SatCom, radar, telemetry, EMC testing, RF laboratories, and advanced mmWave research where smooth radiation patterns, low sidelobes, stable phase center performance, and controlled aperture illumination are required.
For advanced polarization architectures, scalar feed horn systems may also integrate with Mi-Wave’s Series 281 Orthomode Transducers (OMTs) for Vertical and Horizontal polarization paths, or Series 282 Linear to Circular RF Polarizers for Right-Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP) and Left-Hand Circular Polarization (LHCP) operation.
Scalar Feed Horn Fundamentals
Frequencies generally ranging from 30 GHz to 300 GHz.
Antenna Measurement Range
A facility used to measure antenna gain, beamwidth, sidelobes, polarization, and radiation patterns.
Satellite Communications (SatCom)
Communication systems that use satellites to relay RF signals between ground stations.
Radar System
An RF system that transmits signals and analyzes reflected energy for detection, tracking, and measurement.
Telemetry
The wireless transmission of measurement and status data from remote platforms to a receiving station.
EMC Testing
Electromagnetic compatibility testing used to evaluate emissions and susceptibility of electronic systems.
RF Laboratory
A controlled environment used for RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave development, testing, and validation.
Interested in this product or other Mi-Wave solutions?
Contact our team to discuss your frequency range, interface needs, and application requirements.
Custom configurations are available for specialized RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave systems.
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