A Compact Wideband Millimeter-Wave Crossover for Phased Array Antenna Systems in Remote Sensing Applications

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Electromagnetics
• Microwave Engineering

Background:

• Millimeter-wave (mmWave) systems require efficient signal routing.
• Traditional microstrip crossovers often involve vias, increasing complexity and cost.
• Phased array antennas in remote sensing demand high-performance feed networks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and demonstrate a compact, wideband, via-less microstrip crossover.
• To achieve excellent scattering parameters for improved antenna system efficiency.
• To enable enhanced performance in remote sensing applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized stair-shaped microstrip line (MST) to ground-backed coplanar waveguide (GCPW) transitions.
• Implemented vertical coupling between microstrip and coplanar hourglass microstrip patches.
• Fabricated on a single-layer substrate for a compact, via-less configuration.

Main Results:

• Achieved an insertion loss of approximately 1 dB across the operational bandwidth (9 GHz overlapping bandwidth from 13-22 GHz).
• Demonstrated a return loss of 10 dB and isolation of approximately 20 dB.
• The compact design measures 6.5 mm × 7.6 mm, offering a via-less solution.

Conclusions:

• The proposed microstrip crossover offers effective performance with low insertion loss and high isolation.
• The design enhances power transfer and port isolation in phased array antenna feed networks.
• This contributes to increased sensitivity and accuracy in remote sensing systems.