A Cavity-Backed Shorted Annular Patch (SAP) Array for Mid-Range V-Band Backhauling Applications

This paper presents a new improved gain array configuration well suited for mid-range V-band backhauling applications. The proposed solution is based on a cavity-backed shorted annular patch (SAP) antenna loaded with a parasitic patch element for gain maximization. This solution is proved by designing and measuring a 4 × 4 array which presents a reflection coefficient bandwidth covering the frequencies from 58.7 to 63.25 GHz (7.6% at 60 GHz). The experimentally validated array gain is equal to 18 dBi corresponding to 37.9% of aperture efficiency. The antenna and array configurations presented in this paper are optimized to minimize the manufacturing cost and complexity. This result is achieved through a novel beamforming network (BFN) configuration, implemented using a dual-layer substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) technology, and partly integrated on the array aperture. The achieved results demonstrate how the performance of the cavity backed SAP array is comparable to the ones achieved with more complex and expensive solutions.