A long slot array fed by a multilayer true-time delay network in LTCC for 60-GHz communications
Résumé
A broadband array of four long slots, a non-dispersive corporate feeding network and a pillbox beamformer are integrated in a multilayer low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) module for millimeter-wave (mm-wave) wireless communications. The novel concept of substrate integrated parallel plate waveguide (SI-PPW) is demonstrated. It allows transverse electromagnetic (TEM) modes to propagate along the vertical axis of the module. The slot array is loaded by a matching layer and optimized for wideband operation. An advanced LTCC process is tailored to implement a true-time feeding network in SI-PPWs. The measured -10 dB matching bandwidth ranges from 51.2 GHz to 66 GHz. Simulated radiation patterns in H-plane exhibit stable properties in the 57-66 GHz band, with side-lobe levels (SLLs) lower than -19 dB. The peak directivity is 17.90 dBi at 64 GHz. This design concept and the proposed technology are suitable for mm-wave systems-in-package, with applications to high-speed wireless networks. © 2016 European Association of Antennas and Propagation.
Mots clés
Antenna arrays
Antenna feeders
Ceramic products
Microelectronics
Multilayers
Slot antennas
Substrate integrated waveguides
Temperature
Time delay
Waveguides
Wireless telecommunication systems
Antenna in packages
High speed wireless networks
Low temperature co fired ceramic(LTCC)
LTCC
Millimeter-wave (mm-wave)
Millimeter-wave antennas
TEM waveguide
Transverse electromagnetic mode
Millimeter waves