Dense, planar arrays of compact Resonant Cavity Antennas

Compact, wideband, high-gain Resonant Cavity Antennas Arrays (RCAAs) are investigated. The aim is to evaluate their potential meeting ETSI Class-2 antenna specifications for the fixed Point-to-Point communication links. Array performance is characterized in terms of peak directivity and 3dB directivity bandwidth. A radial array (having 91 elements) is shown to achieve the peak directivity of 37 dBi with a 3dB directivity bandwidth greater than 20%. When compared with conventional microstrip patch arrays, this demonstrates a significant reduction in the number of elements required in the array, largely reducing the complexity of the feed network. The feed simplicity and planar configuration of RCA arrays makes them attractive for wireless backhauls and other fixed point-to-point wireless communication systems.