Abstract
Modern communication systems will require antennas with adaptive functionality that are able to modify their performance based on the requirements of the channel. For example, mobile ad hoc networks need directive antennas that are able to radiate in any direction across the 360° azimuth plane. Conformal antennas that can be simply operated to have multifunctional performance characteristics are therefore of interest. In this communication, we present a gradient-index lens antenna designed to radiate with a 45° beamwidth across eight different sectors. When fed by a simple switched feeding network, the lens is able to provide 360° azimuth coverage in 45° segments. Further analysis of the radiation patterns shows how two distinct multibeam patterns can be produced from simple feed networks and simultaneous excitation of each feeding element. The proposed lens is fabricated by multimaterial 3-D printing. The final lens radiates with a gain of 8.5 dBi when a single sector is excited, and with a maximum gain of 5.9 dBi in multibeam mode. Finally, it is shown how the lens can also radiate omnidirectionally when optimized phase and amplitude weightings are applied to each port.
Highlights
Recent advances in modern communications systems, such as the rapid development of software-defined radios, will require antennas with multifunctionality that are able to operate in ever-changing wireless channels [1], [2]
Such antennas, when placed on mobile terminals, require radiation pattern diversity as they must be able to communicate with a terminal in any direction at a single point in time
Recent research has focused on new antenna architectures with 360◦ steerable and switchable beams [6]–[10], which complement traditional techniques such as electronically steerable passive array radiator (ESPAR) antennas [11] and switched and full phased arrays [12], [13]
Summary
Recent advances in modern communications systems, such as the rapid development of software-defined radios, will require antennas with multifunctionality that are able to operate in ever-changing wireless channels [1], [2]. Next-generation mobile ad hoc network (MANET) radios for military use will require directional antennas to overcome current performance limitations which restrict the range of the radio link and are significantly affected by selfinterference [3]–[5] Such antennas, when placed on mobile terminals, require radiation pattern diversity as they must be able to communicate with a terminal in any direction at a single point in time. In order to achieve graded-index (GRIN) material profiles practically, ceramic composites with customizable dielectric constants have been developed and integrated within the profile of such GRIN devices [21], [22] This technique requires time and specialized resources and is unsuitable for rapid prototyping. The antenna may be required to radiate omnidirectionally in order to locate the relevant terminals
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