Aperture-Coupled Feed for Surface-Mounted Additively Manufactured Arrays

The use of additive manufacturing (AM) for antenna arrays offers both fabrication simplicity and design flexibility. Integrating and feeding such arrays in conventional microwave systems, however, is still a challenge. This paper explores the use of aperture-coupled feeds for AM arrays to simplify the assembly process and increase the viability of AM arrays in highly integrated systems. The simulated performance of two aperture designs is compared to measurements of proof-of-concept arrays printed in aluminum, showing feasibility of the approach.