Millimeter-Wave Low-Profile Continuous Transverse Stub Arrays With Novel Linear Source Generators

Abstract

This paper presents a new type of continuous transverse stub (CTS) antenna array with a novel linear source generator (LSG). The conventional multilayer parallel-plate waveguide (PPW) feed and pillbox structure are eliminated and replaced with a more compact partially corporate feed network. This helps to achieve a lower profile (or reduction of antenna layers) and high performance of broadband and high efficiency. For validation, two prototypes are demonstrated—one based on hollow waveguides operating at 34–41 GHz (Array-I) and the other based on substrate integrated waveguides operating at 24.5–29.5 GHz (Array-II). Both arrays contain eight radiation slots, fed from a single-layer PPW junction. The required quasi-transverse electromagnetic wave excitations are achieved by using the novel LSG of a jagged cavity structure. The detailed design methodology and analyses are provided in this paper. Measurements show that antenna efficiencies of over 83% and 82% with the peak gains of better than 27.6 and 20.6 dBi are achieved for Array-I and Array-II, respectively. These low-profile CTS designs are well suited for current and emerging millimeter-wave applications such as 5G and point-to-point communications.