Design of an eight element edge slot waveguide array antenna

Abstract

The theoretical resonant length and experimental normalized conductance of inclined slots are applied in the design of an X-band edge slot waveguide array antenna over the frequency range of 9.5 to 10.5 GHz. The array consists of eight radiating slots machined in the narrow wall of a WR90 waveguide. The array has a non-uniform amplitude distribution with all of the elements fed in-phase. Since the array consists of only eight elements, each element contributes significantly to the overall antenna's characteristics. Experimental results of the measured slot conductances and a formula for the slot depth, including the waveguide wall thickness, for any slot orientation less than 46.6/spl deg/ is presented. This data was used to determine the amplitude distribution and configuration for each element of the array. Measured radiation patterns are presented and characteristics of the antenna examined.