A Wide-Angle Scanning Array Using a Multi-Mode Antenna for mm-Wave Communications

In this research study, a new multi-mode antenna element is introduced to achieve wide-angle scanning characteristics when integrated in a linear array. The unit cell structure relies on a hybrid design concept based on the combination of a patch fed by two capacitively coupled ports, and a cylindrical dielectric resonator fed by a third port via a metal pin. Two radiating modes can be enabled by controlling electronically the phase offset at the three input ports. Each mode is used to cover a different scanning sub-range. The antenna element is integrated in a 1×10 linear array and the relevant simulated results demonstrate a scanning capability from −75° to +75° with a scan loss smaller than 3 dB across the entire field of view