A Dual-Polarization-Switched Beam Patch Antenna Array for Millimeter-Wave Applications

Abstract

Increasing data transfer rates for future millimeter-wave communications require high capacity radio channels and user-centric communication network environments. Therefore, special requirements, such as wide-angle beam steering, wide operational frequency bandwidth and simultaneous operation with orthogonal polarizations are essential for telecommunication antennas. In this paper, we present a compact patch antenna array with a Butler matrix feed network for the frequency band of 26-31.4 GHz. The 16-element planar array has been designed to operate with two linear orthogonal polarizations and provide ±42º beam switching. To ensure wideband operation, a novel combination of planar couplers, crossovers and phase shifters is designed to form the Butler matrix. A new phase shifter topology is used which is based on a combination of open-short stubs and Shiffman phase shifter. The design is fabricated on a low-cost multi-layer board with a size of 120x70x1.62 mm 3. The size of the feeding network, which is implemented on a single board, is 76x23x0.1 mm 3. Experimental measurements of return loss, mutual coupling and radiation patterns confirm simulated results.

Dual circularly polarized series‐fed patch antenna array integrated with beam switching network

“…The performance comparison of the proposed 2 × 2 series‐fed array antenna with previously reported beam‐switching antennas is presented in Table 6. The proposed antenna array offers better performance compared to previously reported works related to beam‐switching antennas 18‐21,23,26‐28 especially in complexity, gain, polarization diversity and pattern diversity. The techniques discussed in References 18‐20, either require incorporation of biasing circuitry due to PIN diodes or switches for realizing both pattern and polarization diversity.…”

“…The techniques discussed in References 18‐20, either require incorporation of biasing circuitry due to PIN diodes or switches for realizing both pattern and polarization diversity. The work discussed in References 23,26‐28, requires a complex structure which results in a high insertion loss. This work comprises the technique of passive beam switching network integrated with the proposed 2 × 2 array antenna to direct the main beam of the antenna in xoz ‐plane and yoz ‐plane at an elevation angle of around 0°, ±10° and 21°.…”

“…Antenna designs have been reported in the literature where it is quite possible to attain reconfigurability for more than one antenna parameter. While designing an antenna with multiple reconfigurable parameters remains a long‐standing challenge, a recent effort by researchers 22‐28 has opened avenues for achieving polarization and radiation pattern reconfigurability in tandem. A reconfigurable, square‐ring micro‐strip patch antenna is introduced in Reference 22 wherein two switches have been integrated within a square ring to achieve linear polarization diversity.…”

“…A three‐beam wideband butler matrix has been reported in Reference 26 to excite the two different array antennas to generate the three different switched beams for different frequencies. In Reference 27, two wideband 4 × 4 butler matrices have been designed to excite the dual‐polarized 4 × 4 patch array antenna which generates the eight switched beams at scan angle of ±42° and ±13° with polarization diversity. The dual‐band beamforming network was introduced to generate the two switched beams with polarization diversity for each frequency band 28 .…”

Polarization Insensitive and Transparent Frequency Selective Surface for Dual Band GSM Shielding

“…Both the fullwave EM and circuit simulations are in good agreement. A prototype has been realized by screen-printing a custom silver nanowires (Ag NWs) ITH the growing popularity of wireless communication, radio frequency (RF) devices are covering more and more frequencies to cater for either additional bandwidth requirements or new applications [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. Although there are national standards for maximum electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio power ratings for each device, the large numbers of RF devices working in close proximity suffer from radio interference.…”