77 GHz Screen Printed, Flexible, Beam-Switching Antenna Array for Wearable Radar Applications

mm-Wave radars are widely used in the automotive industry, but the concept is rather new for wearable applications, such as detection of obstacles for visually impaired people. Beam-switching techniques for radar antennas, typically, are either complicated or bulky, whereas for wearable applications, simpler methods are desirable. In this paper, we present a high gain antenna array with a low profile and a simple beam-switching design. The concepts of parasitic antenna array and partially reflective surface have been combined to simultaneously achieve a narrow beam (higher gain) as well as beam-switching. Additive manufacturing (screen printing) has been utilized which ensures flexibility (essential for wearable applications) and a lower cost. A ±30° beam switching and 11-13 dB realized gain has been achieved, which is deemed suitable for the given application.