24 GHz Horizontally Polarized Automotive Antenna Arrays With Wide Fan Beam and High Gain

摘要

In this paper, two 24 GHz horizontally polarized 1 x 8 patch antenna arrays were developed for automotive radar applications. The proposed antenna arrays offer the advantages of wide fan beams and high gain. The far-field radiation patterns are widened in the E-plane by disturbing the near-field distribution of each driven patch. In Design I, the driven patch is loaded with a parasitic loop, which functions as a director in the E-plane. Due to the directing effect, the E-plane beamwidth can be increased. The experimental verification prepared for Design I showed that a beamwidth of 130 degrees and a gain of 12.2 dBi can be achieved through this method. To further enhance the beamwidth, another array with each patch loaded with parasitic mushroom-like elements was proposed by Design II. The PMLEs are 180 degrees out of phase to their corresponding driven patch. The cancelation effects can be properly managed to slightly sacrifice the gain of the array in return for a wider beamwidth in the E-plane. Design II exhibits a wider beamwidth of 150 degrees and a lower gain of 11.1 dBi.