Abstract
This paper presents a new implementation of the beam-steerable two-dimensional phased antenna array for the forthcoming 5G networks. The antenna enables easy integration of phase shifters and other active electronics on a single PCB, low-loss feed network, low profile, and beam steering in both azimuth and elevation plane. In addition, the antenna is scalable in the number of elements and it can be made compatible with low-cost mass production in plastic injection molding with a metal coating. The antenna consists of a rectangular waveguide feed network, waveguide-to-PCB transitions, phase shifters on a PCB, and horn antenna radiating elements. The parts have been first designed and simulated individually and the operation of the whole structure is then verified by electromagnetic simulations. The phase shifter used in this work is a meandered microstrip line section, but the structure also enables the implementation of active phase shifters. A four-by-four antenna array prototype was manufactured. The beam-steering properties of the phased antenna array have been tested with radiation pattern measurements at 72.5 GHz, and the measured gains are compared with the simulated ones. The measured gains are 15.2 and 11.2 dBi for the boresight beam, and the beam was steered to 40°.
Highlights
Millimeter-wave link frequencies such as 28, 38, and 60 GHz, as well as the E-band (71–76 and 81–86 GHz), have been proposed for use in wireless backhaul infrastructure to enable 5G networks [1,2,3,4,5,6]
This paper presents a new implementation of the beam-steerable two-dimensional phased antenna array for the forthcoming 5G networks
The antenna consists of a rectangular waveguide feed network, waveguide-to-printed-circuit board (PCB) transitions, phase shifters on a PCB, and horn antenna radiating elements
Summary
Millimeter-wave link frequencies such as 28, 38, and 60 GHz, as well as the E-band (71–76 and 81–86 GHz), have been proposed for use in wireless backhaul infrastructure to enable 5G networks [1,2,3,4,5,6]. Plastic injection molding is an effective way to produce millimeter-wave antennas with a flat design, low weight, and a competitive price In this manufacturing technology, mechanical tolerances can be controlled very tightly and complex three-dimensional shapes can be realized in high quantities. We present a phased antenna array structure potentially capable of offering all the benefits at the lower E-band (71–76 GHz), namely, low loss, easy integration of active electronics, scalability, and wide 2-D beam-steering range. The proposed phased antenna array consists of a rectangular waveguide power divider structure, waveguide-to-PCB transitions, microstrip phase shifters, and pyramidal horns as antenna elements.
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