Beamwidth enhancement of on-chip antenna integrated in single-chip FMCW radar using periodic dielectric lenses

We demonstrate a compact design for enhancing the 3dB beamwidth of a 60 GHz single-chip millimeter-wave frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar with integrated on-chip antennas. We use thin (Xfreespace/5) dielectric periodic lenses on top of the epoxy cover of the single-chip radar to change the effective material properties of the epoxy, which changes the field distribution and hence the radiation pattern and beamwidth of the on-chip antennas. The simulation of our periodic lenses with single-chip radar shows an increased H-plane beamwidth of the on-chip antenna by 60% at the center frequency of 60 GHz. Also, the on-chip antenna radiation efficiency is increased by 20%.