High-Performance, Low-Profile and UWB Tightly Coupled Antenna Array

ABSTRACT: During phase I, we successfully designed a low-profile dual-linear polarization UWB (20-50 GHz) phase array antenna design. A key component of our UWB array is that it has a wide angle scan capability that is critical to achieving uninterrupted communication on the move. We showed that it could scan from zenith down to at least 15 degrees above the horizon, superior to any existing phase array designs. Our design also features a single PCB (RT/Duroid) and a standard-size coaxial feeding cable with feature sizes that can be manufactured with advanced PCB manufacturing techniques. In Phase II, we will further optimize/refine the array design and demonstrate its key performance parameters such the bandwidth, wide scan angle, polarization, etc. on a prototype array with measurements at the anechoic chamber. We will also develop a roadmap for low-cost mass-fabrication of the array for faster transition to the market. BENEFIT: The proposed research and development offers a new design paradigm in developing conformal wideband low-profile antennas. We anticipate that the proposed technology will lead to low-cost and low-profile antenna solutions for high speed data communication links on aircrafts. It will enable low-drag and light-weight solutions in addition to increased antenna performance. It's anticipated that the proposed antenna technology also has significant potential in the commercial airborne platforms due to its low-cost and light-weight characteristics in addition to increased performance over legacy antenna systems.