Scanning Toroidal Lens-Array Antenna With a Zoned Profile for 60 GHz Band

In this letter, we introduce a millimeter wave (mmWave) lens-array antenna (LAA), integrating a single phased antenna array as a primary emitter, and a toroidal lens with a zoned vertical profile. The zoned LAA provides high antenna gain by focusing the beam in the vertical plane and simultaneously supporting beam steering capability in the horizontal plane. In comparison with known antenna systems, this technology will provide the opportunity to create larger aperture scanning antennas with light-weight cost-efficient design. The electromagnetic modeling of the zoned LAA in CST Microwave Studio was performed to optimize its system parameters in advance. To evaluate the performance of the antenna, a LAA prototype was created. Experimental measurements of the prototype antenna characteristics were carried out by using a special experimental setup. The results have shown that the developed LAA allows beam steering in the azimuth plane in a +/- 45 degrees sector, while maintaining the shape of the main lobe almost unchanged. The total antenna gain of the system for all scanning angles varies from 23.5 to 27.5 dBi. By using such antenna at both ends of the reconfigurable relay lines, a throughput of 2.5-4.62 Gb/s in the operation ranges 150-200 m can be achieved.

Automated summary

The research introduces a millimeter wave lens-array antenna technology, optimizing system parameters to improve antenna gain and beam steering capability, providing an opportunity for cost-efficient large aperture scanning antennas.