60 GHz patch antenna in LTCC with an integrated EBG structure for antenna pattern improvements

We present a 60 GHz LTCC aperture-coupled patch antenna with an integrated Sievenpiper EBG structure used for suppression of TM mode surface waves. This is believed to be the first demonstration of a Sievenpiper EBG structure used inside a millimeterwave LTCC antenna. The merit of this EBG structure is to yield a predicted 6 dB improvement in broadside directivity. Without the EBG structure, edge diffraction of surface waves degrades the pattern into two main beams. The combination of a new LTCC material system (DuPont 9K7 GreenTape™) along with laser ablation processing for fine line and fine slot definition allowed the integration of a successful EBG structure with an aperture coupled patch antenna.