Dielectric-filled waveguide antenna array for millimeter-wave communications

Abstract

In this work, the concept of dielectric-filled waveguide antenna array operating at 71-76 GHz is studied. The developed prototype consists of air-filled to dielectric-filled waveguide transition, dielectric filled power divider, and four dielectric radiating elements. The idea behind using dielectric-filled components is to minimize feeding waveguide structure dimensions in order to have a spacing of half a wavelength between the radiating elements. This helps to reduce the grating lobes and it can be possible to integrate phase shifters since there is enough space between the elements. Such antenna structure is a light-weight and low cost in manufacturing. The simulation results show that such antenna array has 11.4 dBi gain with 23.6° half power beamwidth.