A Modularized Interchangeable Multibeam Slot Array Antenna Using Hybrid Substrates for Mass Production

A substrate integrated waveguide multibeam antenna based on a parabolic lens beam-forming network is presented. The proposed antenna is comprised of a port deck (Rogers RT/duroid 5880, ϵ_r = 2.2, tanδ = 0.0009) and an antenna deck (Rogers RT/duroid 6002, ϵ_r = 2.94, tanδ = 0.0012). By fabricating the antenna deck with substrates of different permittivity, while the port deck does not have to be changed, the proposed antenna features flexible beam tunability. Experimental results show that the proposed antenna can operate from 27∼28 GHz with the gain up to 14.5 dBi. The maximum radiation efficiency is 85%. Five beams pointing from −59° to 62° are achieved. Compared with counterparts, the proposed antenna features desirable performance but simpler structure. The short turn-around design circle and low cost from the modularized interchangeable design make it preferable for 5G mobile terminals in mass production.