Broadband mm-Wave Microstrip Array Antenna With Improved Radiation Characteristics for Different 5G Applications

TLDR

The paper proposes a Ka‑band inset‑fed microstrip patch array for 5G applications in various countries. The design uses a 16‑element H‑plane array of inset‑fed patches with stacked parasitic layers and an alternating 180° out‑of‑phase rotation to enhance bandwidth and reduce mutual coupling. Measurements show a 24.4 % bandwidth (24.35–31.13 GHz) with –15 dB return loss, 20 dB isolation, a 19.88 dBi broadside gain, and 18.7 dBi at 49.5° scan with –12.1 dB sidelobes, confirming the design’s suitability for 5G.

Abstract

A Ka-band inset-fed microstrip patches linear antenna array is presented for the fifth generation (5G) applications in different countries. The bandwidth is enhanced by stacking parasitic patches on top of each inset-fed patch. The array employs 16 elements in an H-plane new configuration. The radiating patches and their feed lines are arranged in an alternating out-of-phase 180° rotating sequence to decrease the mutual coupling and improve the radiation pattern symmetry. A (24.4%) measured bandwidth (24.35-31.13 GHz) is achieved with -15 dB reflection coefficients and 20 dB mutual coupling between the elements. With uniform amplitude distribution, a maximum broadside gain of 19.88 dBi is achieved. Scanning the main beam to 49.5° from the broadside achieved 18.7 dBi gain with -12.1 dB sidelobe level. These characteristics are in good agreement with the simulations, rendering the antenna to be a good candidate for 5G applications.