Abstract
A multi-fed radially periodic two-dimensional leaky-wave antenna is proposed for the generation of a directional beam continuously scanning in elevation by changing the frequency, and over a discrete number of directions in azimuth when activating different elements of the feeding system. The structure is planar and constituted by a circular grounded dielectric slab loaded with microstrip rings, properly positioned around the sources to support the propagation of an angularly directional surface wave over a sector determined by the corresponding activated feeder. This produces a perturbation of the surface wave, resulting in the generation of a directional leaky wave over the aperture, whose complex propagation constant is described by a single fast backward spatial harmonic. The antenna radiation features are numerically investigated in conjunction with the dispersion analysis of the structure, validated through a conventional generalized-pencil-of-function approach. Full-wave simulations have been developed to design a practical feeder, which is constituted by a circular arrangement of commercial coaxial connectors. The proposed multi-port antenna is validated by means of measurements performed on a microwave manufactured prototype. The design represents an attractive simple and cost-effective solution to achieve a high-gain beam scanning over the three-dimensional space, alternative to more conventional phased-array design based on cumbersome and lossy feeding networks.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 9234047 |
Journal | IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation |
Volume | 69 |
Issue number | 5 |
Early online date | 20 Oct 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - May 2021 |
Keywords
- Antenna arrays
- Beam steering
- Leaky-wave antennas
- Pencil beams
- Tapered leaky waves
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering