Slotted ESIW antenna with high efficiency for a MIMO radar sensor

This paper introduces a slotted empty substrate integrated waveguide (ESIW) antenna for a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar sensor. The proposed system is based on the MIMO radar architecture. Orthogonal signals are sent from the transmitters, in such a manner that a MIMO image reconstruction is possible. The presented system application targets the surveillance of strategic areas in gas pipelines and nuclear plants. ESIW technology enables a high-efficiency, low-profile, and compact antenna for these MIMO systems. The fabricated device includes a transition to microstrip line, and, in consequence, the antenna can be integrated with the rest of the system in a standard integrated circuit. The slotted ESIW antenna design and measured results for the targeted application are presented in this paper. The measured results present a gain greater than 15 dBi and return loss below –13 dB over the targeted frequency band of operation (16–16.5 GHz). To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first slotted ESIW antenna reported in the scientific literature up to now.