Dual-band dual-polarized sub-6 GHz phased array antenna with suppressed higher order modes

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Electromagnetics
• Antenna Theory

Background:

• Phased array antennas (PAAs) are crucial for modern wireless communication systems.
• Achieving dual-band and dual-polarization simultaneously presents design challenges, including higher-order mode (HOM) generation.
• Microstrip patch antennas with complementary split ring resonators (CSRRs) offer potential for multiband and multipolarization operation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a novel 64-element dual-band, dual-polarized phased array antenna (PAA).
• To investigate the effectiveness of complementary split ring resonator (CSRR) loading for achieving dual-band performance.
• To demonstrate the suppression of higher-order modes (HOMs) and evaluate beam steering capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Design of individual array elements using microstrip patch with CSRR loading.
• Integration of 64 elements into a PAA structure.
• Incorporation of plated through holes for HOM suppression.
• Fabrication and measurement of antenna prototypes.
• Testing beam steering performance using a phase shifter module.

Main Results:

• The proposed PAA achieves simultaneous dual-band operation at 3.45 GHz and 3.87 GHz with dual-polarization.
• Excellent impedance matching ($$ dB) and low mutual coupling ($$ dB) were observed at both bands.
• HOM suppression techniques effectively mitigated unwanted modes.
• Beam steering up to $$ was successfully demonstrated with minimal loss ($$ dB).
• A peak gain of 23 dBi was achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed 64-element PAA with CSRR loading and HOM suppression is a viable solution for dual-band, dual-polarized applications.
• The design exhibits robust performance, including good impedance matching, low mutual coupling, and effective beam steering.
• This PAA technology holds promise for enhancing the performance of future wireless communication systems.