Methodology for Improving Scanning Performance Loading an Array Element with a 3D All-Metal WAIM

All-metal 3D printing technologies are allowing the conception of new structures for different applications. This publication explores the potential of employing for the first time an all-metal 3D unit-cell topology to perform wide-angle impedance matching layers. A new equivalent circuit is derived for the oblique incidence, providing a good estimation of the cell response for the scanning range (theta = [0 degrees, 55 degrees]) in the main scanning planes for a linearly polarized radiated field. This analytical model is later used to develop a wide-angle impedance matching design methodology for a generic antenna. This methodology is tested in practice to match a phased array made of metallic horns at 18 GHz. An improvement of 5 dB is obtained in the simulations for angles theta > 35 degrees for the H -plane.

Automated summary

This publication explores the potential of using all-metal 3D printing technologies to create wide-angle impedance matching layers and proposes a design methodology using all-metal 3D unit-cell topology. Simulation tests show that this method can improve performance by 5 dB within a certain range of angles.