High gain wide band grid array antenna for short range radar and vehicle-to-satellite communications

Abstract

This paper presents the design of a Grid Array Antenna that covers both Short Range Radar applications at 24 GHz, the spectrum requirement of Ku-band transmit mode for Fixed Satellite Service and Direct Broadcast Service for Vehicle to Satellite communications. The proposed Grid Array Antenna design has vertical short radiating wire segments and long radiating wire segments loaded with parallel reactive disc structures to enhance the bandwidth. Taylor synthesis method of amplitude-tapering reduces the Side Lobe Level to −16.3 dB. The simulation and measurement results are in alignment with each other covering the bandwidth of 12.58 GHz (VSWR ≤ 2), Half Power Beam Width of 7.8° in E-plane, and 101.6° in H-plane at 24 GHz and broadside radiation for Vehicle-to-Satellite communication. The antenna parameters are analyzed for housing effect and mounted on a virtual model of a vehicle. The aforementioned results show that the proposed antenna is well suited for the spectral coverage of Vehicle-to-Satellite communication, Blind Spot Detection, and pre-impact sensing in Short Range Radar automotive communication.