Frequency Scanning Leaky Wave Antenna for V-Band Conformal Applications

Modern millimeter-wave (mmWave) systems such as on-body networks, automotive sensors, and short-range wireless links are increasingly expected to support both high-speed communication and precise sensing. For seamless integration into such platforms, antennas must be compact, lightweight, flexible, and low-cost. However, existing antennas suffer from a rigid form factor and limited beam-steering. This article presents a low-profile, fast scanning leaky-wave antenna (LWA) operating in the unlicensed V-band (57–64 GHz) offering wide-angle frequency-dependent beam steering without the need for complex phase-shifting networks. The novel meandering microstrip design allows independent control of gain and scanning rate (i.e., rate of change of main beam pointing direction with frequency). Experimental results demonstrate that the LWA achieves over 10 dB with a fan-beam steering range in the H-plane from −32° to 45° across the operating frequency band, while the half power beam-width (HPBW) is within 20° in planar condition. Under strong bending conditions (e.g., for an on-body sensor placed on a human knee with an 80mm radius), the antenna continues to operate effectively, with beam scanning from −25° to 55° with a realized gain degradation of 1.75 dB, and an increase of HPBW up to 25°. These results confirm the LWA’s robust beam-forming and scanning capabilities, even in highly-conformal conditions.