A compact dual-polarized wideband patch antenna array for the unlicensed 60 GHz band

The unlicensed 60 GHz industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio band provides a wide bandwidth for wireless high data rate communication systems. To optimally utilize these millimeter wave data transmission channels, exploiting orthogonal polarizations is a crucial enhancement. Along with the increase in data rate, improvements of the robustness of communication links in wireless local/personal area networks (WLANs/WPANs) can be achieved adopting the dual-polarization approach. Adjustment of the proper antenna gain is essential for meeting a specific link budget. We have designed, fabricated, and characterized a patch antenna array utilizing orthogonal polarizations in planar multilayer technology.