A 2×2 wideband and high-gain Ka- band LTCC patch antenna array using aritificial magnetic conductor structures

Abstract

The artificial magnetic conductor structures (AMCs) is proposed to enhance the bandwidth and gain of a millimeter-wave (mmW) patch antenna. A multi-layer laminated waveguide (LWG) low-loss array feeding network and the multi-layer T-type divider are specially analyzed and designed. The overall structure of an mmW antenna array using AMCs is designed in low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) process in which the feeding network and compact transition between LWG and rectangle waveguide (RWG) are integrated. The simulated bandwidth of the 2×2 array is 11.43% which is much larger than that of the reference array on PEC plane. The maximum gain can reach 12.9 dBi while the stable radiation pattern can be observed also.