Design and Optimization of a Horn Antenna for 8–12 GHz Band (X-Band)

Project Description

We are seeking a highly skilled RF/Antenna Engineer to design, simulate, and deliver a professional-grade horn antenna operating in the 8–12 GHz (X-band) frequency range. The antenna will be used for antenna measurement and calibration purposes in a laboratory setting and should demonstrate excellent gain, beam symmetry, and VSWR performance.

This is a test project to evaluate candidates for future long-term collaboration on more complex antenna systems (including Directional Finding arrays and phased systems).

Requirements & Goals:

Frequency Band: 8–12 GHz (X-band)
Antenna Type: Standard gain horn (rectangular aperture)
Target Gain: ~15–20 dBi
Return Loss: Better than -15 dB across entire band
Half Power Beamwidth (HPBW): Approx. 30° or narrower
Port: Standard WR-90 rectangular waveguide

Design Tasks:
Electromagnetic design and 3D modeling of the horn antenna
Impedance matching and flare angle optimization
Aperture and gain calculations
Mounting fixture design (optional but preferred)

Simulation & Validation:
Full-wave EM simulation using CST Microwave Studio or Ansys HFSS
Simulated parameters must include:

S11 across 8–12 GHz
Far-field radiation pattern (2D & 3D)
Gain vs frequency
Axial ratio (if polarization is circular)
3D renderings of the final design

Deliverables:

Editable design files (CST or HFSS project)
PDF report including simulation results, plots, and performance summary
Exportable CAD model (STEP or STL)
Bill of Materials (BoM) if any commercial components are involved