Millimeter-Wave Wide-Angle Scanning Planar Phased Array Using Wide Active Element Patterns

This work presents a millimeter-wave planar phased array antenna (PAA) designed for wide-angle scanning, utilizing wide active element patterns (AEPs). The patch-based element features a simple structure, operating in dipole mode with a proper profile. Strategic modifications to the radiating patch enhance the beamwidth of the AEPs over a broad bandwidth and simultaneously improve impedance matching. The process starts with the design of the individual element, progresses to the creation of a $1 \times 8$-element array integrated with a power divider, and culminates in the assembly of a $12 \times 8$-element array. The planar PAA is fabricated and tested, with experimental results demonstrating that the array can achieve a scan range of ± 70° with a gain fluctuation of 5 dB across the frequency band of 26.5 GHz to 29.5 GHz.