Dielectric Slab Mode Antenna for Integrated Millimeter-wave Transceiver Front-ends

Abstract

A novel type of integrated dielectric antenna is presented, which is suitable for low-loss integrated transceiver front-ends in the upper microwave or millimeter wave frequency ranges. The proposed antenna comprises a dielectric high permittivity substrate acting as grounded slab waveguide and a simple planar lens on top for beam focusing. The guided wave is gradually transformed to free space by a curved ground plane for end-fire radiation from the substrate edge. Apart from high radiation efficiency due to very low conductor losses, the use of a standard substrate material also simplifies manufacturing and allows accommodating MMICs or bias circuitry at minimum cost. Simulation and measurement results are presented for a scaled prototype in X-band. Simulation studies were also conducted at millimeter-wave frequencies, where the low-loss advantage is even more evident. Having dimensions of 10 mm × 18 mm, an example design provides a gain of 15 dBi at 60 GHz and a radiation efficiency of more than 80 % if a Duroid ® 6010LM substrate is used. Good input impedance matching is achieved in a bandwidth of over 20 %, covering the entire unlicensed 60-GHz band.