Dual-Port Phase Antenna and Its Application in 1-D Arrays to 2-D Scanning

A novel dual-port phase antenna is proposed to realize 2-D scanning. The antenna consists of two monopoles on both sides and a fishbone structure in the middle. By changing the phase difference Delta phi between two monopoles, energy is coupled to the proposed structure, exciting different degrees of superposition of even and odd modes. The continuous switching from the broadside lobe to the end-fire lobe is realized, and it has the characteristic of 2-D scanning. Furthermore, to provide an in-depth insight into the 2-D scanning mechanism, two linear arrays (Array 2 and Array 3) based on the proposed antenna element and a generalized principle of pattern multiplication (GPPM) are developed. The fabricated Array 2 can offer scanning angles of 0 degrees-73 degrees along the theta-direction with the gain of 6.5-10.4 dBi and 90 degrees-140 degrees along the Phi-direction with the gain of 6.1-11.7 dBi. Its scanning coverage of 3 dB beamwidth is 0 degrees < Phi < 140 degrees, 0 degrees < theta < 90 degrees. The manufactured Array 3 can scan 0 degrees-90 degrees along theta-direction with the gain of 8.2-11.1 dBi and 50 degrees-90 degrees along the Phi-direction with the gain of 6-9.36 dBi, and its 3 dB coverage of the main beam scanning is 0 degrees < Phi < 180 degrees, 0 degrees < theta < 90 degrees. Consequently, the proposed antenna and GPPM can be readily extended to wide-angle scanning phased arrays.

Automated summary

A novel dual-port phase antenna is proposed for 2-D scanning, with the ability to switch between broadside and end-fire lobes. Linear arrays based on the antenna element and pattern multiplication principle show scanning angles and gains characteristics along different directions. The proposed antenna and methods can be extended to wide-angle scanning phased arrays.