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K-Band vs. Ka-Band Frequencies

Published Date
Author Cadence PCB Solutions

Key Takeaways

  • K-band frequency communication offers good short-range, high throughput, and high resolution. 

  • With focused spot beam and multiple beam technology, Ka-band frequency can be reused, which improves the capacity as well as coverage of the satellite communication.

  • The percentage of false alerts received in K-band radars is so high that they are rarely in use without false alert filtering. 

K-Band vs Ka-Band

Radar communication uses K-band as well as Ka-band frequencies

Radar detectors identify the presence of radar waves, which are typically X-band, K-band, or Ka-band frequencies. X-band, K-band, and Ka-band radar frequencies fall into different frequency bands, and they are chosen based on the radar application. There is often confusion about how to compare K-band vs. Ka-band frequencies, so let’s go over the advantages, applications, and challenges of each in this article. 

K-band vs. Ka-Band Frequencies

Comparing Advantages

According to the IEEE, K-band frequency ranges from 18 to 27 GHz. The wavelength of the K-band frequency ranges from 1.7 to 1.1 cm. In the electromagnetic spectrum, the K-band frequency lies between the Ku-band and Ka-band. The K-band frequency includes the peak resonance frequency of water vapor, i.e., 22.24 GHz, which makes this band unsuitable for long-range transmissions. However, K-band frequency communication offers good short range, high throughput, and high resolution.

The Ka-band is comprised of 27 GHz to 40 GHz frequency. The wavelength is between 1.1 cm to 0.75 cm. The Ka-band is regarded as the sub-classification of the K-band present in the electromagnetic spectrum. In law enforcement radar applications, the Ka-band radar frequencies are between 33.04 GHz and 36 GHz. The three main Ka-band radar frequencies are 33.8 GHz, 34.7 GHz, and 35.5 GHz.

There are several features and advantages to using K-band and Ka-band frequencies in various applications. The table below shows the 3 main advantages of each.

K-Band vs. Ka-Band Frequency: Advantages Comparison Table

K-band 

Ka-band

1

Position - The position between the Ku-band and Ka-band makes the K-band frequency support throughput higher than the Ku-band and lower than the Ka-band.

Wide bandwidth - The bandwidth of the Ka-band is 5 times the C-band and twice the Ku-band.

2

Rain susceptibility - Rain fading susceptibility of the K-band frequency is less than the Ka-band, but more than the Ku-band.

Short wavelength - Makes applications incorporate smaller components in the hardware, including the antenna.

3

Antenna size - Smaller than Ku-band antennas and larger than Ka-band antennas.

High resolution - The short wavelength of the Ka-band frequency leads to high resolution and can be applied in close-range radars. 

Comparing Applications

K-Band Frequency

Short-range communication is safe with K-band frequency. Law enforcement authorities adopt the K-band frequency due to its high performance, commonly using 24.125 GHz and 24.15 GHz. Some non-law enforcement applications of K-band frequency are automatic door openers, collision avoidance systems, and blind spot monitoring systems in vehicles.

Ka-Band Frequency

Ka-band frequency can be used in high-resolution, close-range targeting radars, military aircraft, space telescopes, wireless point-point microwave communication systems, vehicle speed detection systems, and satellite communications. Ka-band frequencies are often used in satellite communication, as they provide wider bandwidth and higher data transfer rates. With the focused spot beam and multiple beam technology, Ka-band frequency can be reused, which improves the capacity as well as coverage of satellite communication. The capital cost in establishing Ka-band communication is less, as it offers reduced-size antennas and other associated systems. 

Comparing False Alerts

K-Band Radars

False alerts are common in K-band radars, and they are rarely used without false alert filtering. Unfortunately, adding false alert filtering increases the cost of K-band radars. 

Ka-Band Radars

False alerts are rarely obtained from Ka-band frequency-based radar systems. 

Summary Comparison Table

Ka-Band

K-Band

Advantages

Wide bandwidth, short wavelength, and high resolution

Short range, high throughput, and high resolution

Applications

Close-range targeting radars, military aircraft, space telescopes, wireless point-point microwave communication systems, vehicle speed detection systems, and satellite communications

Law enforcement radar, automatic door openers, collision avoidance systems, and blind spot monitoring systems in vehicles

False Alerts

Rare

Common


When designing radar or weather forecasting systems employing K-band and Ka-band frequencies, Cadence’s suite of design and analysis tools can assist you in developing systems with optimum performance and cost-effectiveness. Cadence’s AWR software can support you in K- and Ka-band radar simulations with detailed analysis of RF-front-end components.

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