Compact size tapered slot antenna array for ultra broadband applications

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn this article, we present a compact sized wideband coupled slot balanced TSA array covering 4–25 GHz band. The measured reflection coefficients and mutual coupling values between adjacent elements are <−10 dB and −15 dB, respectively over the proposed band. The designed array is then tested in a direction finding application. In our experimental setup we used an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) to generate and transmit a source signal of 2 GHz bandwidth at central frequency of 10 GHz. The output of the antenna array is connected to a high‐speed digital signal oscilloscope. The recorded received signals are then digitally down‐converted and post‐processed using cross‐correlation method to find the source direction at various scan angles. All measurements are done in anechoic chamber to avoid multipath reflections. The experimental results are in reasonable agreement with theoretical calculations. Our experimental work of direction finding using AWG is an exemplary work to realize a practical UWB test‐bed for developing various UWB applications working in real conditions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:26–31, 2017