Parallel-Plate Waveguide-Feeding Structure for Planar-Connected Arrays

Abstract

A novel approach for the practical realization of the feeding lines in connected array of slots is presented. The proposed feed concept is based on a Parallel Plate Waveguide (PPW) structure and allows to simplify the unit cell design. When compared to the typical integrated coaxial feed, the PPW-based feeding structure can reduce the cost and complexity of the array, by resulting in a lower number of metal layers and by allowing for large diameter vias. Two examples of unit cell design, based on this new feed concept, are presented: one consists in a singlepolarized array of connected slot, covering the band from 70 GHz to 140 GHz; another example is referring to a single-and dual-polarized connected slot array covering the 2-8 GHz range.

Applications of Artificial Dielectric Layers for mm-Wave Antennas

“…An example of array unit cell design was presented in [6] and shown in Fig. 4, which depicts a single-polarized connected slot element with ADL superstrate.…”

“…Planar designs of wideband arrays also can benefit from ADL slabs placed above the array to improve the matching performance and the scanning capability at mm-Wave frequencies [6]. The artificial dielectrics can be used in combination with connected arrays [7] to achieve wide bandwidth over a large scan volume.…”

Recent Advances on Wideband Wide Scanning Connected Slot Arrays

“…After the experimental demonstration in [13], other designs were presented in [14]- [17], based on simulations. The trend in more recent designs was to increase the number of degrees of freedom in the design of the ADLs.…”