24 GHz dielectric filled waveguide fed horn antenna using 3D-LDS MID technology

This paper presents the evaluation of dielectric tapered horn antennas that are fed by planar radio frequency (RF) transmission line to dielectric filled waveguide transitions. The antennas are developed to be efficiently manufactured with the laser direct structuring (LDS) method that allows for a 3d metalization of plastic surfaces. In doing so the flexibility of the antenna design process is increased. Furthermore the antennas can be directly combined with a circuitry if required. First of all, a fundamental evaluation is done by means of two different transitions from typical RF transmission lines to a rectangular dielectric filled waveguide at 24 GHz. Based on these findings a test antenna is designed and subsequently manufactured with the LDS method. To evaluate the manufacturability with the LDS method in general and additionally prove the concept, the configuration of this test antenna is kept relatively simple. The prototype is characterized in an anechoic chamber and the results are discussed. In the next step an additional example design that is based on an typical dielectric antenna is discussed. To conclude, the results obtained are summarized and discussed with respect to a use for the development of RF applications.