Millimeter-Wave Frequency Beam Scanning Array with a Phase Shifter Based on Substrate-Integrated-Waveguide

In this paper, a millimeter-wave multi-folded frequency-dependent progressive phase shifter based on substrate-integrated-waveguide (SIW) is proposed. The equations based on SIW TE10 mode characteristic are applied to design the parameters of the phase shifter. An end-fire magneto-electric dipole with wide beam width is employed as the radiating element. By combining the antenna element and the phase shifter together, a frequency beam scanning antenna array is proposed and analyzed, using mathematical calculation based on phase array theory. A prototype of the proposed array has been fabricated and measured. The theoretical calculation of radiation pattern of the array is verified by full-wave electromagnetic solver Ansys HFSS and measurement. The measurement results show that the array can achieve a wide scanning range from -18 degrees to 32 degrees, gain variation less than 2.9 dBi, and radiation efficiency around 50% from 57 to 63 GHz. With the advantages of simple and compact structure, wide beam scanning range, and low-cost processing, the proposed array would be a good candidate for millimeter-wave wireless communication.