Three-Dimensional Beam Scan Using Ferrite-Loaded Circular Waveguide Antenna

Phased or parasitic array antennas with complex feed mechanism are widely used to realize beam scanning. This letter presents a simple magnetized ferrite-loaded circular waveguide antenna with three-dimensional (3-D) scan characteristics. Professional software is used to optimize the dimension and biasing requirement of the antenna. The required magnetizing fields (H
₀
) are tabulated to realize 60° of maximum beam scan in elevation plane for eight different azimuth regions covering 360°. A prototype of the high-power waveguide antenna is fabricated to experimentally verify some of the simulated scan characteristics. Using LTCC technique, embedding the biasing coils within the ferrite cylinder can considerably reduce the H
₀
values needed for 3-D beam scan.