Novel printed UWB array based on a versatile and low-cost antenna configuration

A novel topology of planar array is investigated for typical radar and communication UWB applications ranging from C to K bands. It provides inexpensive and compact realization, dual polarization and wide beam scanning. The basic element exploits an original configuration having a number of printed dipoles in rhombic geometries on multilayered substrates. The antenna shape is designed and optimized in the 5-25 GHz band by means of advanced parametric analyses, taking into account practical aspects such as the choice of low-cost commercially-available dielectric layers and appropriate feeding. The relevant behavioral features are analyzed for arrays with both large and small number of elements. Interesting radiation features are observed in terms of pattern shape and gain as a function of frequency and phase shift.