What’s an Axial Ratio? Understanding Its Role in Space Antennas

When discussing antennas for space applications, terms like gain, polarization, and beamwidth often dominate the conversation. One term that may not immediately stand out but is crucial for evaluating antenna performance is the axial ratio. This parameter plays a pivotal role in determining how efficiently an antenna transmits or receives signals in circular polarization, a key factor in many space-based communication and navigation systems.

This article aims to demystify the concept of axial ratio, what it means, and its practical implications for space antennas.

What Is Axial Ratio?

Axial ratio (AR) is a measure of how close the polarization of an electromagnetic wave is to being perfectly circular. To understand this, we first need to consider the concept of polarization itself.

Polarization and Circular Polarization

When an electromagnetic wave propagates, its electric and magnetic fields oscillate in time. In this scenario, the polarization state of an electromagnetic wave describes the orientation and behaviour of the oscillating electric/magnetic field vector along the propagation direction. Three polarization states are as follows:

• Linear polarization
• Circular polarization
• Elliptical polarization

Circular polarization is widely used in space communication links due to its various advantages, such as reduced multipath interference, minimized impact of Faraday rotation, and improved link budget. In this scenario, the electric field vector rotates as the wave propagates while maintaining a constant magnitude.

However, in practice, perfect circularly polarized waves are not possible. Most waves exhibit slight distortions, causing the field vector’s trajectory to resemble an ellipse rather than a perfect circle. The axial ratio parameter quantifies this deviation by comparing the lengths of the major and minor axes of this ellipse:

A perfect circularly polarized wave has an axial ratio of 1:1 (or 0 dB in logarithmic scale). Higher values indicate increasing ellipticity.

Imagine spinning a hula hoop. If it spins perfectly, maintaining a circular motion, this represents ideal circular polarization. If it wobbles and distorts into an oval shape as it spins, that corresponds to elliptical polarization. To get more insights on the concept, we’d recommend you to read our dedicated article «

Why Is Axial Ratio Important for Space Antennas?

Axial ratio is a critical metric for evaluating antenna performance in space applications, where circular polarization is often preferred. Here’s why:

• Orientation Independence:
  • In space, satellite antennas are rarely perfectly aligned due to constant movement or unpredictable tumbling. Circular polarization ensures that signal transmission and reception are unaffected by these orientation changes.
• Reduced Multipath Interference:
  • Circular polarization minimizes interference caused by signal reflections (multipath effects). This is especially valuable in cluttered environments like Earth’s surface or during planetary exploration.
• Ionospheric Resilience:
  • As signals pass through the ionosphere, polarization can rotate (a phenomenon known as Faraday rotation). Circular polarization reduces the impact of this rotation, preserving signal quality.

The axial ratio of an antenna determines how well it maintains the desired circular polarization. A poor axial ratio can lead to signal degradation, reduced link efficiency, and increased susceptibility to interference. For example, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as GPS and Galileo, rely heavily on circularly polarized signals. GNSS antennas typically achieve axial ratios below 1 dB to minimize polarization mismatches, ensuring accurate positioning even in challenging environments.

Measuring Axial Ratio

The axial ratio of an antenna can be measured in either linear metrics (as a simple ratio) or decibels (dB), where:

For pencil-beam antennas, the axial ratio is typically evaluated over the main beam of the antenna radiation pattern, particularly along the boresight (the direction of maximum gain). For omnidirectional antennas, on the contrary, a low axial ratio value is also mandatory at low elevation angles.

Most high-performance space antennas are designed to achieve an axial ratio of less than 3 dB across their operational bandwidth.

Measurement Techniques

Measuring axial ratio requires precise equipment and setups to evaluate how closely the antenna achieves circular polarization. One of the key methods is the use of anechoic Chambers.

These specialized facilities isolate the antenna from external interference and reflections, allowing accurate measurements of its radiation pattern and polarization characteristics.

To avoid the use of these costly chambers, engineers can also use Test Caps – a specialized ground segment equipment designed to facilitate end-to-end RF (Radio Frequency) tests directly on the satellite.

Measurement Challenges in Space

In space applications, maintaining low AR values is challenging due to environmental factors:

• Thermal Variations: Temperature changes can deform antenna materials, impacting the geometry of the antenna’s radiating parts. The radiation performance varies and, consequently, the polarization purity.
• Radiation Exposure: Prolonged exposure to cosmic radiation can degrade materials and alter antenna performance.
• Varying Signal Angles: As satellites move, the polarization mismatch with ground receivers can increase, emphasizing the need for precise AR control.

Axial Ratio and Antenna Design

Designing an antenna with a low axial ratio is a technical challenge that involves careful consideration of several factors:

• Antenna Geometry
  The shape and size of the radiating elements directly affect the axial ratio. For example, helical antennas are naturally suited for circular polarization, while patch antennas require specific geometries (e.g., truncated corners or cross-slots) to achieve the same.

• Feed Network Design
  Circular polarization is achieved by exciting two orthogonal modes of the antenna with equal amplitudes and a 90° phase difference. An imperfect feed network can lead to phase or amplitude imbalances, increasing the axial ratio.

• Material Properties
  Dielectric and conductor losses can distort the electric field’s trajectory, impacting polarization quality. High-performance materials are essential to maintain low axial ratios in demanding space environments.

Practical Applications in Space Antennas

Axial ratio specifications vary based on the application:

• Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS): Precise positioning relies on circularly polarized signals.
• Telecommunications Satellites: Low axial ratio ensures robust communication links, even under challenging conditions like atmospheric attenuation or antenna misalignments.
• Earth Observation: Polarization purity is critical for accurately interpreting remote sensing data, as polarization affects how signals interact with Earth’s surface and atmosphere.
• Inter-Satellite Links: Circular polarization ensures consistent communication between rapidly moving satellites, where alignment cannot always be guaranteed.

Challenges and Future Trends

Despite advances in antenna design, achieving low axial ratios across wide frequency bands and varied beam angles remains challenging. Engineers must balance competing demands, such as gain, bandwidth, and size, without compromising axial ratio performance.

Emerging trends include:

• 3D Printing Technologies: Additive manufacturing allows for intricate geometries that optimize axial ratio performance, such as those Anywaves develops for GNSS and TT&C applications.
• Meta-materials: Engineered materials with unique electromagnetic properties can enhance polarization control.
• AI and Optimization Algorithms: These tools help designers refine antenna parameters for improved axial ratio performance across broader operating conditions.

Conclusion

The axial ratio is more than just a technical parameter—it is a critical metric for evaluating and optimizing the performance of space antennas. A low axial ratio ensures reliable communication, accurate navigation, and effective data collection in space applications. As the demand for robust and versatile space systems grows, the importance of understanding and controlling axial ratio will only increase.

Whether in GNSS, telecommunications, or inter-satellite communication, achieving a precise axial ratio is a technical challenge that drives innovation in antenna design and manufacturing.

By understanding and optimizing axial ratio, space system designers can meet the rigorous demands of their missions with antennas that are both robust and efficient. For those working in the field, it’s a reminder that even seemingly small details—like the shape of an electromagnetic wave—can have a profound impact on the success of a mission.