Dual-polarized slot-coupled patch antennas on Duroid with teflon lenses for 76.5-GHz automotive radar systems

A dual-polarized 76.5-GHz microstrip patch and teflon lens antenna system was designed, constructed, and tested. A receiver (RX) array of three dual-polarized microstrip patches was coupled through a 10-cm-diameter lens to produce radiation patterns with 3/spl deg/ beamwidths and beam crossovers of -3 dB. The transmitter (TX) consisted of a single dual-polarized microstrip patch coupled through a 2.5-cm-diameter lens to produce a 10/spl deg/ beamwidth. Slot-coupled patches were used to isolate the microstrip feed circuit from the radiating elements. The antennas and feeds were fabricated on commercially available 5880 Duriod substrates. Cross-polarization levels were less than -20 dB and were typically less than -30 dB over the entire beam at the design frequency. First sidelobe levels were no greater than -15 dB and were typically closer to -20 dB. Stepped and unstepped versions of the 10-cm-diameter receive lens were designed and fabricated. Antenna system sidelobes levels were lower with the stepped lens while the cross-polarization levels were comparable.