Beam steering 60 GHz slot antenna array using liquid crystal phase shifter

A compact microstrip reflection-type phase shifter controlled by liquid crystal is used to realize a phased array of slot antennas. This array has a beam steering capability in one dimension for 60 GHz applications. In this array each phase shifter provides a differential phase shift of 188.5° at the operating frequency of 59.5 GHz. The final design comprises of a 4 × 1 slot array capable of scanning up to 70° in the E-plane as the bias voltage on the liquid crystal changes from zero to saturation voltage.