A mm-Wave Surface Wave Launcher for Next Generation Small Flying Object Based IoT Applications

This paper describes the development of a mm-wave high-gain, wideband, end-fire surface wave launcher for next generation Small flying object (SFO) based Internet of Things (IoT) applications. It smartly utilizes the hosting platform itself as a part of the radiating system. The design primarily consists of a Grounded Co-Planar Waveguide (GCPW) feed, a phase equalization section, a grounded dielectric wedge wave transformer, and an extended conducting ground which is basically the SFOs conducting face. The phase fronts of the waves excited by the GCPW feed are first transformed into planar phase fronts across a large aperture by the phase equalization section. Substrate dielectric height is intentionally kept high so as to excite surface waves. The dielectric wedge section efficiently transmits the generated surface waves to the metallic cover plate of the SFO over a broad frequency spectrum which thereafter propagates along the face and finally radiates from the edge. A prototype with a 100 mm × 100 mm ground (size of 1U CubeSat face) demonstrates a common bandwidth of 72.88%, ranging from 28.9 GHz to 61.7 GHz, with a measured peak gain reaching 19.1 dBi. To increase space utilization further, a second topology of the launcher with Indium-Tin Oxide (ITO) coated transparent ground is presented which enables solar integration underneath the radiating structure. The antenna is well-suited for SFOs like Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), CubeSats, drones, and other similar surface mount applications.