Array Antenna Research Articles

The Design and Implementation of a Wide-band Circularly Polarized Conformal Antenna

Background: It gives out the design and verification of single-layer dual-band antenna unit and multi-layer dual-band broadband antenna unit of phased array antenna, and verifies that the multi-layer dual-band broadband antenna unit can meet the design requirements of the receiving frequency band. Objective: It gives out the design and implementation of a wide-band circularly polarized conformal antenna, and presents the characteristics analysis of the antenna. Method: Through related simulation methods, the proposed methods are verified and they can effectively solve the array phase compensation and beam shaping and control in the wide-band circularly polarized conformal antenna. Results: Based on the basic design of the antenna, the active superposition algorithm, phase compensation technology and particle swarm optimization antenna beam shaping technology are both studied. Conclusion: The proposed wide-band circularly polarized conformal antenna can be used in the actual application.

Reliability analysis of GAN based transmit modules for active array antenna of phased array radar

Reliability is one of the most important requirements in our day to day life considering consistency, availability and failure free performance of the product over it’s define mission time. As complexity of the system increases, design for reliable systems is a big challenge. The objective of the reliability prediction analysis is to evaluate the predicted reliability of the active transmit receive modules (TRMs) under specified operating conditions, and to demonstrate that the predicted reliability meets the requirements, also to identify any parts present in the design which leads to higher failure rates. The research shows reliability of generative adversarial network (GAN) based TRMs covering from design to finalization of components as early as practicable in today's short product lifecycles. Using the reliability prediction process, we describe a method for providing design engineers with reliability feedback on their decisions. Using a conventional reliability prediction model, the Telcordia (Bellcore) parts stress prediction model, and some standard rules of thumb, we describe an initial implementation of this technique. It provides systematic identification of likely modes of failure, possible effects of each failure, and the criticality of each failure with regard to reliability, system readiness, mission success, and demand for maintenance/logistic support.

Lightweight Broadband Phased Array Antenna Based on Ultra-Thin Polyimide Film

Lightweight Broadband Phased Array Antenna Based on Ultra-Thin Polyimide Film

A Novel Flying Robot Swarm Formation Technique Based on Adaptive Wireless Communication using MUSIC Algorithm

This paper presents a novel technique to address the challenge of coordinating swarm flying robots in a leader-follower configuration. A combination of the Multi Signal Classification (MUSIC) estimation algorithm, based on a wireless MIMO array antenna, along with onboard robot control are used for precise route tracking of an individual robot. Employing an array antenna reduces energy consumption for followers in passive mode and reduces computational complexity when measuring the angles of leader angle interferences, which depends on the phase difference of the impinging signal on the antenna elements of the array. Additionally, the angles estimation and beamforming processes, utilizing MUSIC algorithm, form an inner loop that furnishes orientation angles in 3D (Azimuth and elevation angles) for both the leader and potential interference sources. The outer loop, contingent on the onboard controller and the robot's GPS system, enabling fine adjustments in angle and position relative to the leader's location. The simulation results illustrated the efficiency of the proposed technique in estimating the orientation angles of the leader and the interference sources. The technique robustness is confirmed through testing the performance on different trajectories. Where the follower perfectly generates a main radiation beam directed towards the leader, effectively mitigates interference signals from neighboring group leaders, and successfully tracks the leader path.

Single-fed Ku/Ka dual-band aperture shared planar antenna array for satellite communication

This paper presents a single-fed Ku/Ka dual-band aperture-shared planar antenna array designed for satellite communication. The need to enhance data transmission speeds has driven the exploration of higher frequency bands, such as the Ku-band and Ka-band. Researchers have been investigating the design of multiband antennas to achieve space miniaturization and cost-effectiveness in these higher frequency bands. However, previous works faced challenges, including spatial efficiency limitations, complex radiator structures, band isolation issues, and increased complexity in the feeding network. To address the abovementioned challenges, this paper proposes a single-fed Ku/Ka dual-band shared-aperture planar antenna array. By combining a patch antenna for the Ku-band and a cavity antenna for the Ka-band, a simple and single-fed network is realized. The proposed antenna element is further extended to a linear array antenna and a sequentially rotated array antenna. The implemented sequentially rotated array antenna exhibited a measured impedance bandwidth of 17.4–19.7 GHz (12.4%) and 27.0–29.0 GHz (7.1%). Moreover, the proposed sequentially rotated array antenna demonstrated measured peak gains of 13.7 dBi for right-hand circular polarization in the Ku-band receiver and a measured peak gain of 15.6 dBi for left-hand circular polarization in the Ka-band transmitter, making it highly suitable for satellite communication.

Enhanced Gain Dual-Port Compact Printed Meandered Log-Periodic Monopole Array Antenna Design with Octagonal-Ring Shaped FSS for Broadband 28 GHz Applications

In this article, we propose a microstrip-fed printed meandered log-periodic monopole array (PMLPMA), and its dual-port configuration incorporating an octagonal ring frequency selective surface (FSS) layer. The dual-port PMLPMA antenna system has a compact structure with a total dimension of 18.75 × 18.75 mm2 and is designed to operate in the 5G n257 (28 GHz) band. The proposed PMLPMA radiator consists of five log-periodic monopole array elements, and the dual-port antenna system comprises two identical PMLPMAs placed vertically next to each other. Additionally, an octagonal ring-shaped single-layer FSS was implemented on the proposed antenna system to increase the gain across the operational band. Simulation results demonstrate that the dual-port PMLPMA antenna achieves a peak gain of about 3.5 dBi without the FSS layer, while a peak gain of 7.35 dBi is achieved when the FSS layer is augmented on the antenna. Moreover, isolation levels exceeding 30 dB are obtained for both cases between the 26.5–29.5 GHz frequency ranges. To verify the simulation results, the dual-port PMLPMA antenna system, and the octagonal ring-shaped FSS layer are also prototyped. The measurements align closely with the simulations in terms of performance criteria such as gain, bandwidth, and radiation patterns. Thus, the 28 GHz band antenna system exhibits great potential for 5G mobile applications.

Complementary split resonant ring inspired wide-angle frequency-scanning patch array leaky-wave antenna with open-stopband suppression

In this paper, a wide-angle scanning and dual-linearly polarized leaky-wave antenna (LWA) is proposed based on symmetrical complementary split resonant ring (CSRR) feeding lines. The CSRR excites high-dispersed spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) and is inspired to enlarge the scanning angle of the circular patch array antenna. The coupling between CSRR and circular patch determines the unit cell dispersion characteristics of LWA, and the coupling between CSRR and circular patch is controlled by designing their respective periods, p/b, to suppress the open-stopband and reduce the grating lobe, The value of p/b controls the frequency range of the open-stopband. Two parallel CSRR feeding lines are located on the bottom layer of the antenna and feed the array antenna of 11 circular patches above the feeding layer with both differential and common modes excitations. The two modes switch with 1-bit phase shifters on the two parallel feeding lines fed with a Wilkinson power splitter and electronically switch dual-linearly polarized radiations. The proposed scenario of the LWA prototype is validated through simulations and experiments. According to the measurements, horizontally polarized radiation achieves large beam scanning angle from −59.5° to +40° in the frequency range from 8 to 11 GHz with common mode excitation. And vertically polarized radiation scanning the main beam from −47° to +41° in the frequency range from 7.8 to 10.8 GHz with differential-mode excitation. The measured peak gains of the two polarizations are 14.4 dBi and 14.2 dBi, respectively, and the cross-polarization ratios are above 21 dB.

Effective bandwidth improvement of Travelling-Wave waveguide array antennas using double Parallel-Slot radiating elements

The effective bandwidth of a travelling-wave slotted waveguide array antenna is improved by using a proposed broadband single radiating element based on a pair of longitudinal slots CNC-machined in the broad wall of the waveguide. The TE10 mode excites two resonances generated by each slot, providing an effective bandwidth improvement. As a proof of concept, an array antenna formed by 16 double longitudinal parallel-slot elements is designed. A prototype has been manufactured in printed technology in order to experimentally validate the antenna performance. Measurements show high stability of efficiency, maximum gain and radiation patterns in a broadband higher than 20% in the K-band.

TOWARD ROBUST IN-CAR CONNECTIVITY: SIMULATIVE INSIGHTS INTO THE BEHAVIOUR OF SINGLE PATCH AND 2x2 ARRAY ANTENNAS FOR 2.4 GHZ WI-FI APPLICATIONS

The incessant demand for reliable and robust in-car connectivity drives the evolution of automotive wireless communication. In this pivotal research, we ventured into the realm of 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi applications, emphasising refining antenna designs that focused specifically on the Bio-composite material single patch and the 2x2 array configurations. Our simulations, executed meticulously in CST Microwave Studio, yielded noteworthy findings. The single patch antenna, fortified with a quarter-wave feeding line, delivered an efficiency of 51% and a gain of 2.83 dBi. While promising, its bandwidth limitations beckoned a deeper dive into alternative configurations. Subsequently, our exploration of the 2 x 2 array antenna, enriched with a power divider, stood out as a beacon of improvement. Notably, it exhibited a significant gain elevation, registering at 5.79 dBi. This uptick underscores the 2 x 2 array's superiority over its single-patch counterpart in amplifying in-car Wi-Fi strength and hints at its potential to set a new benchmark in automotive wireless solutions. In synthesis, this research does more than just present empirical data; it offers a roadmap for automotive manufacturers and WiFi solution providers, leading them towards more efficient and robust in-car wireless ecosystems. Beyond its immediate implications, our study lays a strong foundation for future explorations, potentially steering the discourse towards more intricate array antenna designs tailored for vehicular environments.

A Complementary Overview and Challenges in Radar Cross Section Modeling of Phased Array Antennas

The radar cross-section (RCS) is a critical factor in the design and performance of modern airborne weapon systems. These systems utilize phased array antennas due to their low profile, advanced beamforming, and angle measurement capabilities. The effect of phased array antennas on platform RCS can be crucial. Addressing the RCS of phased array antennas involves solving both structural and antenna mode scattering. Each component presents different challenges for computation and requires specific RCS reduction techniques. This short review delves into various existing methods for computing antenna and structural mode RCS and offers insights into their application. Simulating the RCS of large array antennas presents significant challenges due to the high demands on computing resources. Additionally, this review highlights existing solutions aimed at reducing the simulation times and memory usage in RCS modeling while maintaining accurate results. However, further advancements are necessary to simulate large scale array antennas more efficiently and accurately.

Mayfly optimization algorithm: a review

This paper gives a review on the bio-inspired optimization methodology known as mayfly (MA) algorithm in order to resolve issues in optimization techniques. It is a newly formed meta-heuristic optimization algorithm that focuses on the movements of masculine and feminine mayflies. It is encouraged from flying behaviour also the methods of mating in mayflies. With the help of a realistic-world separate flow planning issue along with the coupling behaviour in numerous objective optimizations, the performance of the mayfly algorithm (MA) is well evaluated. Some of the implementations of this algorithm are discussed in this paper: Bearing fault diagnosis based on the mayfly algorithm, optimizing the performance of PEMFC, Covid diagnosis, wind speed optimization, improving the scheduling of solar wind speed using mayfly optimization, detecting fault in the wind turbine gearboxes, patterning in the array antennas with the help of optimization and so on .One of the main advantages of the MA is that it combines the other optimization algorithms namely swarm optimization (PSO) with the evolutionary optimizations (GA). The motion of the mayflies that resemble nuptial dance model along with the arbitrary flight helps in the improvement of the stability within the exploration and exploitation methods. In addition, allows escape from the community peak. All the above work reviewed shows promising results from the algorithm. More work can be carried out using this algorithm in future.

A cutting-edge broadband Camembert-inspired dielectric resonator antenna

This article introduces an innovative approach to significantly broaden the bandwidth of Cylindrical Dielectric Resonators. A four-element Camembert-Shaped Cylindrical Dielectric Resonator Antenna (CDRA) is presented, using an air gap separating the resonators to enhance the antenna bandwidth. The radiators, i.e., the DRA blocks, are made of high relative-permittivity ceramic material (εr = 25 & 30) and are excited by microstrip-line feed. The proposed methodology involves the strategic design of these resonators, incorporating dielectric materials to finely optimize the frequency response. Experimental validation demonstrates a remarkable improvement in bandwidth when compared to conventional methodologies. This novel technique holds immense promise for applications requiring wideband antennas. The demonstrated effectiveness of this approach not only addresses contemporary challenges but also opens up new avenues in antenna design, catering to the escalating demands of modern communication systems. In addition to the compact dimensions of the elementary radiating element, the separation distance between them, set at λ/4, enhances the array antenna overall size, and its gain is nearly 10 dBi. The proposed antenna covers cellular network applications such as UMTS mobile phone band around 2.1 GHz, as well as wireless DECT phone bands around 1.9 GHz, facilitating data transmission over short distances and beyond, with an impedance bandwidth of 20%.

Far-field pattern accuracy improvement in planar near-field measurement using infinitesimal dipole modeling

This paper discusses the challenges in accurately measuring the far-field performance of array antennas, which have become more complex and larger due to recent trends in increasing the number of elements and the antenna size. The far-field measurement method, which is a general method for measuring a radiation pattern in a far-field, is difficult to be utilized at a high frequency due to limitations in physical chamber size and difficulty in diagnosing an antenna. In order to improve these problems, a near-field measurement method is used as an alternative. Even though using a near-field measurement, the accuracy of the derived far-field pattern is reduced at low elevation angles due to zero-padding of data outside the measurement area. The integration of the near-field measurement with the source reconstruction is a promising approach to enhance the measurement limits of the far-field pattern analysis. This paper aims to extend the previous work to accurately predict the far-field radiation pattern, especially in the low elevation angles. The verification of the proposed method is performed for a standard gain horn and 4 by 4 patch array antennas, with and without beam steering.

Low-Profile Circularly Polarized HF Helical Phased Array: Design, Analysis, and Experimental Evaluation

This paper presents the design, development, and performance evaluation of a compact wideband phased array active helical antenna for monitoring HF interference. Traditional multi-element HF antenna designs are often subjected to size restrictions. The front-to-back ratio of the proposed circularly polarized phased array exceeds 20 dB across the operating range. This array enables the simultaneous monitoring of vertically and horizontally polarized signals, offering a practical alternative to larger antennas, particularly in space-constrained scenarios. Through advanced low-noise amplifier design, efficiency and bandwidth are optimized while mitigating mutual coupling effects. Optimal beamformer design enhances array performance with respect to more traditional array design approaches. The test results verify exceptional performance with an average axial ratio of 2 dB and a high front-to-back ratio beyond the desired frequency range. This study offers valuable insights into the design and deployment of compact wideband phased array antennas, providing an effective solution for monitoring HF interference.

Compact fully metallic multi‐mode waveguide antenna for cellular communications

AbstractThe needed isolation between elements for high‐performance beam steering array antennas is a challenging task especially when the distance between the antenna elements is reduced. To tackle this problem, the authors report a multi‐port multi‐mode single‐antenna with beam steering capability (±7 deg) suitable for cellular communications. The multi‐port multi‐mode characteristic of the proposed antenna enables size reduction and better taper efficiency than antenna arrays operating in the 3.3–3.7 GHz cellular band. The reported antenna exploits four Transverse Electric modes to modify the half‐power beamwidth of the radiation from 20° to 41° as required in cellular communication.

Secured THz communication in photonic microcell networks based on spatial wave mixing of steered beams

Future 6G communication systems are envisioned to expand their carrier frequency to the THz region, where a broad unexplored region of spectrum is available. With this expansion, THz wireless communication has the potential to achieve ultra-high data transmission rates of up to 100Gbit/s. However, as large amounts of data are transmitted in an open wireless environment, there are significant concerns regarding communication security due to the susceptibility to eavesdropping, interception, and jamming. In this work, we proposed a secure approach for THz wireless communication based on spatial wave mixing and flexible beam steering. To achieve this, two frequency-modulated THz waves, which are generated by photonic THz sources and carry encrypted information with true randomness, are mixed at a THz envelope detector with an exclusive-OR logic operation. We analyzed the possible spatial location for the THz detector to ensure a secure microcell network deployment. Our results demonstrate that the size of the decryptable region is directly dependent on the directivity and width of the emitted THz beam. To address this, we have developed an array antenna with integrated uni-traveling-carrier photodiodes (UTC-PDs), which is capable of generating THz waves while also improving the flexibility of beam pointing, allowing for greater control over the location and size of the decodable region. By controlling fiber-optic delay lines, we successfully demonstrated that the directional gain of a 200GHz wave is increased by 8dB through a 1 × 3 UTC-PD-integrated planar bowtie antenna (PBA) array, together with continuous beam steering from -20° to 10°. Additionally, using a 1 × 4 UTC-PD-integrated PBA array to emulate two encryption transmitters and a Femi-level managed barrier diode to detect spatially mixed THz waves, we successfully achieved a feasibility experiment for real-time 200Mbit/s location-based decryption in the 200GHz band. These results indicate that the proposed scheme is feasible for secured THz communication, and would be a powerful candidate to mitigate security risks in 6G microcell networks.

Method of constructive synthesis of a flat active phased array antenna with a limited number of active channels

A method of constructive synthesis of a flat active phased array antenna from linear horizontal sublattices with an unequal number of antenna elements and the number of active channels equal to the number of sublattices is proposed. The transmission coefficients of the active channels, the number of elements in the sublattices and the coordinates of the placement of the phase centers of the sublattices of the active phased array antenna array in a flat opening are considered as the desired parameters of the constructive synthesis problem. Restrictions are set on the shape of the boundary of the flat opening and the amplitude distribution in the opening of the active phased array antenna. The requirements for the scanning sector of the active phased array antenna are formulated. The method is based on an iterative procedure. In the process of its implementation, the deviation of the amplitude distribution in the opening of the active phased array antenna from the sublattices from the specified amplitude distribution is minimized. The method has shown its efficiency in the formation of various amplitude distributions in the AFAR opening. The stability of the problem solution to external influences, including in the event of failures of antenna elements, is estimated. The solutions obtained can be used in monopulse radar stations with mechanical beam scanning in the azimuthal plane and electronic scanning in the angular plane.

The main directions of enhancement of digital antenna arrays

The development of modern radio electronic systems causes an increase in the requirements for the parameters of antenna devices (AU) and causes the transition from previously used mirror antennas and passive phased array antennas (FAA) to active FAA (AFAA), the considerable advantage of which is a significant reduction in energy losses of transmitted and received signals by reducing the distance of the low-noise amplifier input and output of power amplifier to the antenna element. Further development of the AU is the transition from AFAA with analog beamforming to digital antenna arrays (DAR) with digital beamforming, the advantages of which are due to the possibility of forming multibeam receiving and transmitting radiation patterns with independent control of the direction and shape of the beams, as well as the possibility of flexible change of operating modes. The use of a DAR with two-dimensional electronic scanning provides a significant increase in the efficiency of radio-electronic systems. Thus, their use in radar provides a gain in the efficiency of using the time, energy, frequency and spatial resources of radar with CAR up to 13 times compared with radar with passive FAA and AFAA with one-dimensional scanning. The disadvantages of the DAR are the high cost and increased energy consumption due to the installation of active elements in each transceiver channel, as well as the long time required to create new products, associated with a large amount of software and a complex structure for building a CAR. To overcome these disadvantages, manufacturers of antenna arrays and developers of the radio-electronic element base are creating new technical solutions. The main directions of development of technologies for the production of DAR functional devices that reduce the cost and reduce the time needed to create new products are shown: the development of common modules that allow you to create scalable DAR, increasing the integration of microwave monolithic integrated circuits with the placement of the maximum number of transceiver channels on one chip, increasing the integration of ASIC, including ADCs, DACs and digital signal processing devices, increasing the clock frequencies of digital functional nodes, as well as the development of circuit solutions for building nodes with low energy consumption.

Small-sized active phased array antenna for base stations of mobile radio networks in limited deployment conditions

Today, most telecommunications structures are oversaturated with antenna technology. There is a need to use high-rise buildings and facilities that are not equipped for communication. However, the use of such objects imposes a number of restrictions on the installation locations of antenna systems. Thus, the problem arises of developing an antenna system that makes it possible to achieve a circular radiation pattern using small-sized antennas. A model of a small-sized UHF AFAR has been developed. A distinctive feature of this AFAR is the use of a ring active phased antenna array with an electrically controlled radiation pattern as an antenna system. Such solutions have not been used in domestic antenna technology, including military radio communications. The antenna complex is proposed to be used for installation on mobile objects, as well as on the upper platforms of towers and masts to provide a circular radiation pattern in places where it is impossible to implement a ring antenna array around the perimeter of the object.

Design and Fabrication of Compact MIMO Array Antenna with Tapered Feed Line for 5G Applications

In this paper, we design, fabricate, measure, and report two proposed multiple input multiple output antenna elements (MIMOs) with good performance in the 5G band. The MIMO antennas are mounted on Roger / Druoid 5880 substrates (dielectric constant: 2.2) with an overall structure volume 20×24.14×0.79mm3. First, a comprehensive parametric study is performed based on CST Electromagnetic (EM) Simulator to investigate and enhance the antenna performance in relation to 5G application requirements. Second, as part of the antenna design process, we compute the envelope correlation coefficient (ECC > 0.01dB) and diversity gain (DG> 9.9dB) and achieve good results. Third, we provide fabrication and measurement verification with good agreement. Fourth, we use a tapered feed structure with inset feed to minimize mutual coupling and achieve matching along 2 transmission lines with various impedances with high compactness in the antenna structure. Fifthly, we report that the proposed antenna structure has a gain is 8 dBi (dB) at the relevant operating frequency band (24.25