A 3D-Printed DRA Shared-Aperture Array for Low Cost Millimeter-Wave Applications

Abstract

In this article, a K-/Ka-band shared-aperture array with high isolation is proposed using 3D-printed dielectric resonator antennas (DRAs). The design procedure with DRAs enables flexibility while implementing shared-aperture arrays. Furthermore, DRAs as nonmetallic radiators are attractive for millimeter-wave (mm-wave) applications due to the absence of ohmic loss. In addition, 3D-printing technology facilitates the design of complex shapes with high-dimensional accuracy. The K- and Ka-bands DRAs are orthogonally oriented to provide improved isolation and cross-polarization level. Meanwhile, the corresponding feeding networks are implemented using the substrate integrated coaxial line (SICL) and the substrate integrated waveguide (SIW). Thus, further isolation improvement is provided by using two different feeding mechanisms for the K- and Ka-bands radiators. Moreover, the SICL network is shared with the SIW wall to efficiently utilize the feeding aperture. As a proof-of-concept, the 3D-printed shared DRAs are designed and fabricated. The standard printed circuit board (PCB) technology is used for the fabrication of the antenna boards. The measurement data agree with the simulations, realizing high isolation and cross-polarization level. The proposed array features low profile, ease of integration, and wideband operation, which makes it viable candidate for mm-wave applications.