Linear nonuniform antenna array of planar elements fed by a dielectric waveguide

摘要

A nonuniform antenna array topology fed by a dielectric strip waveguide is proposed for in-house X-band radar and localization purposes. It can largely avoid the conductor losses from a traditional feeding network, and also provides a very simple topology that can be easily manufactured with cheap mass-production Printed Circuit Board technology. The working mechanism is fully based on the electromagnetic coupling between the wave travelling in the dielectric waveguide and the nonuniform antenna elements positioned in series along the waveguide. The antenna elements are optimized in such a way that each element radiates the required power to provide a medium gain broadside beam. A bandwidth of about 160MHz, a gain of 8.51dB, and an efficiency of about 86% are obtained for the realized prototype.