An active dual-polarized Log-Periodic antenna has been designed to meet the requirements of the low-frequency (50-350 MHz) radio telescope of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). The integration of antenna and low noise amplifier has been conceived in order to achieve a high degree of testability. This aspect has been found to be crucial to obtain a smooth frequency response compatible with the SKA science cases. The design has also been driven by other factors such as the large-volume production (more than 130 000 antennas will be built) and the environmental conditions of the harsh Australian desert. A specific verification approach based on both wideband radiometric spectral and spatial measurements in relevant laboratory and in-situ conditions has been developed. Electromagnetic analyses and experimental results exhibit a very good agreement. In December 2019, this antenna was part of the reference solution for the System Critical Design Review of the SKA.
We summarize the activities conducted since 2019 in the numerical electromagnetic analysis of one prototype station of the SKA-Low telescope. Working closely with the SKA Observatory, two teams based in Australia and Italy have collaborated effectively in modeling and analyzing AAVS2, which is the most recent prototype of an SKA-Low station installed in Western Australia. A comprehensive overview of the main electromagnetic parameters at element and array level obtained with two different commercial solvers is presented. Results for scattering parameters, individual element patterns, and station beams are shown; all these fully incorporate mutual coupling effects. Sensitivity of the station is addressed, as the crosspolarization performance. Finally, we also address some lessons learned and their impact on the project.
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