Long Slot Array Fed by a Nonuniform Corporate Feed Network in PPW Technology

Abstract

We present here a novel architecture of high-gain continuous transverse stub (CTS) antenna array operating at E-band (71-86 GHz) with reduced sidelobe level (SLL). The antenna consists of an array of 16 long slots excited by a nonuniform parallel-plate waveguide (PPW) corporate feed network. The nonuniform excitation is achieved by the design of asymmetrical power dividers in PPW technology, for which simple analytical models are provided. Full-wave simulations are validated by measurements of a prototype fabricated in aluminum. The SLL is lower than -28 dB in the E-plane. Such an SLL is 15 dB lower than classical parallel-fed CTS arrays. The overall antenna SLL remains below -18 dB over the 75-86 GHz band. Its mean radiation efficiency is 60%, and the maximum efficiency of 85% is reached at 86 GHz.