Modular tightly coupled antenna array
Date
2020
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
As demand for high speed, uninterrupted wireless data access increases, re-search has increased in millimeter wave (mmw) and radio frequency (RF) photonic devices and systems as solutions. Higher frequencies increase data throughput due to the increased available bandwidth, and users have begun to experience the advantages of mmw enabled devices with recent deployments of 5G testbeds throughout the United States and other nations. RF photonics utilizes an optical carrier to transmit RF signals through low loss optical mediums such as fiber optic cables and waveguides. RF photonics has high bandwidth throughput over great distances using electro-optical modulators, high power photodetectors, and erbium doped fiber amplifiers. Unfortunately, RF photonic technology is still in early development and the cost is still high to be produced on a mass scale. ☐ Despite growing interest in mmw frequencies and RF photonics as solutions for the increasing demands of wireless communication and radar systems, lower legacy frequency bands will remain viable solutions in the future. The sub-6GHz band has seen an increased research interest in recent time because of the low atmospheric loss and lower cost equipment (amplifiers, phase shifters, etc.) that is a common problem in millimeter wave communications. ☐ Antennas and antenna arrays have been developed to operate in the sub-6GHz spectrum, but these arrays are often large, narrowband, and expensive. Phased arrays often operate under the assumption of little to no interference between nearby radiating elements, but this interelement interference can be exploited to minimize the antenna array area and increase operational bandwidth. ☐ The focus of this research is an ultra-wideband (UWB) modular tightly coupled antenna array (MTCA) that is a low-cost solution to the common shortcomings of low frequency phased array technology. Aside from the antenna array having UWB capabilities, the technology that drives the antennas must also possess the same bandwidth for the array to reach full potential. An UWB feed network is also designed in parallel with the antenna array. The antenna array and feed network successfully demonstrate a low cost, scalable, and mass producible RF front-end solution to sub-6 GHz demands for the future.
Description
Keywords
5G, Antenna Array, Low-Profile, Tightly Coupled Antenna Array, Ultra-Wideband