Design and Implementation of Ultra-Wideband Dual-Polarized Conformal Phased Array

Abstract: This letter presents an innovative design and implementation method for an ultra-wideband dual-polarized conformal phased array. The performance of single-layer continuous dipoles under bending conditions is evaluated through characteristic mode analysis to understand the impact of curvature on operational stability. This analysis provides design insights into the maximum allowable curvature while maintaining stable dipole performance. Subsequently, a single-layer metal radiation structure is designed as the array element, and simulations indicate that it supports ultra-wideband operation with dual polarizations. Using this element, an 8 * 8 ultra-wideband dual-polarized cylindrical-conformal array (UDCA) is developed, demonstrating stable performance even at a curvature radius as small as 100 mm. A physical prototype is fabricated cost-effectively using novel manufacturing techniques that stack a three-layer conformal substrate. Experimental result demonstrates that the proposed UDCA with a 1.2{\lambda} curvature radius operates at 3.6~9.6 GHz (90.9%) and achieves 60{\deg} wide-scanning in E-/H-planes, which provides a practical and promising solution for conformal array applications.