Novel reflector antenna design for ACC applications

Developments in high volume consumer-orientated microwave products have fuelled an intensive search for low-cost, low profile, mass-produced antennas. At lower frequencies in the microwave band (<10 GHz), printed circuit or wire antennas can be used. However, at higher frequencies, the efficiency of printed circuit antennas deteriorates considerably and alternative solutions have to be explored. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is just one of the applications where compact, high-performance antennas are required for millimetre-wave frequency operation. Most conventional metal antennas are too expensive or cumbersome for such applications. ERA Technology Ltd. has developed a novel low-cost millimetre wave antenna for use in automotive systems based on a compact reflector geometry, realised using metallized plastics. Prototypes have been constructed and tested, giving good performance over the frequency range 35.0-37.0 GHz and 76.5-77.5 GHz. This paper details the design and construction of the antenna, which lends itself easily to low cost mass production.