Optimized Parallel and Serial Array Antenna Design for X-Band Aviation Radar Sensors

This paper aims to devise an antenna structure tailored for seamless integration into aviation radar sensors. The primary design objectives entail the creation of an antenna resonating within the X-band frequency range, spanning from 8 GHz to 12 GHz, with a central frequency of 9.79 GHz, while prioritizing portability. A meticulously dimensioned unit cell is engineered to achieve these specifications, resulting in an antenna design operating at 10.36 GHz. Key parameters including S11, Gain, Efficiency, and Radiation characteristics are meticulously assessed. Subsequently, these unit cells are arranged in serial and parallel configurations and analyzed across various metrics. Noteworthy findings reveal that the parallel array design exhibits superior radiation performance at 10.3 GHz. In contrast, the serial array configuration demonstrates enhanced attributes, including higher gain and improved S-parameter characteristics, particularly at 10.8 GHz. The input impedances were readily adjusted to match 50-ohm feedlines. The antenna design leverages dielectric materials such as Duriod for the substrate and copper for the patch and ground components. Specifically, the Duriod substrate boasts a dielectric coefficient of 2.2, with a substrate thickness of 1.57 and a copper thickness of ${0. 0 3 5}$. This investigation underscores the efficacy of the serial array antenna design, highlighting its potential for optimal performance in aviation radar sensor applications..