Switched-beam array of dielectric rod antenna with RF-MEMS switch for millimeter-wave applications

A conformal dielectric rod antenna array with operating frequency of 11.2 GHz is investigated, designed, and measured. This antenna array is combined with a single pole double throw radio frequency microelectromechanical systems (RF-MEMS) switch to realize switched-beam performance. Moreover, this antenna array exhibits uniform radiation performance for different scan angles with no grating lobes. The characterization and measurement of the antenna system have been performed. The measured radiation pattern of the antenna in the anechoic chamber is in good agreement with the simulated antenna pattern. The measured antenna with the RF-MEMS switch has 13.5 dBi realized gain, −15 dB sidelobe level, 22° half-power beamwidth, and 7.3% (fractional) bandwidth (or 800 MHz) at 11.2 GHz.