High-Efficiency Low-Profile Waveguide Array Antennas

Abstract

This paper presents some recent development work on planar waveguide array antennas for 5G backhaul and satellite communications. Several design examples are provided, focusing on the design challenges of side-lobe suppression, dual-band dual-polarisation, and beam scanning. Aperture rotation and polarization rotation are two approaches used for side-lobe suppression. Their trade-off with cross polarization discrimination has been discussed. Examples of dual-polarisation wideband or dual-band arrays are given. Finally, variable inclination continuous transverse stub (ViCTS) antenna is discussed as a potential cost-effective solution to phase arrays in satellite communications. All the presented antennas are based on hollow waveguides constructed using multiple layers.