Compact Substrate Integrated Waveguide Cubical Dielectric Resonator Antenna for fifth-generation applications

Abstract

A comprehensive analysis of a wideband Cubical Dielectric Resonator Antenna is presented, specifically designed for 5G-NR wireless communication applications, focusing on the N257, and N258 frequency bands. This antenna exhibits symmetrical radiation patterns, a wider bandwidth, improved efficiency, and substantial gain characteristics. The design employs a low-loss substrate-integrated waveguide structure to enhance gain while reducing cross-polarization effects. This is accomplished through an innovative approach of establishing boundary conditions using copper wire stitching for vias, superseding the conventional soldering iron method, which guarantees minimal radiation leakage, compact dimensions, and reduced losses. The perforated dielectric resonator antenna possesses higher mode excitations, and implementing metallic strips on two resonator surfaces facilitates the simultaneous excitation of fundamental and higher-order modes, thereby yielding a broadband response. The overall dimensions of the antenna are 15.29 $\times$ 8.42 $\times$ 3.8 ${\mathrm{mm}}^3(1.3\times 0.7\times 0.3){\lambda }_0^3$, which facilitates a measured impedance bandwidth of 8.2 GHz, spanning from 24.4 to 32.6 GHz (28.7%), accompanied by a high gain of 8.1 dBi and efficiency levels reaching up to 94%. The prototype is constructed utilizing the standard printed circuit board technique, and simulation outcomes are derived using the High-Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS).