A V-Band Switched-Beam Linearly Polarized Transmit-Array Antenna for Wireless Backhaul Applications

A V-band, switched-beam, linearly polarized transmit-array antenna enabling self-pointing point-to-point communication systems, e.g., wireless backhaul applications in the future mobile networks, is presented. The antenna is designed and fabricated using standard printed-circuit board materials and processes as well as commercially available switches. The design and characterization of the unit cells and the transmit-array panel are presented and demonstrate state-of-the-art performances with an experimental realized gain of 33.4 dBi, an aperture efficiency of 48%, and a 3-dB bandwidth of 15.4%. Furthermore, the transmit array fed by the focal array is presented and demonstrates radiation properties and beam-switching capabilities with five beams at 0°, ±2.4°, and ±4.8°, and a 3-dB angular coverage of 13.2°.