A waveguide slot array for use at millimetric frequencies
Abstract
An experimental 60-GHz slot array in which novel fabrication techniques are employed to overcome the problems of tight tolerances is described. The fabrication involves the construction of an array from two component parts. Broadwall shunt slots are formed in a metal plate that is electrically thin; this plate is bonded through conducting joints to an underlying metal block containing the waveguide channel. Although all the arrays tested are found to radiate in reasonable agreement with their theoretical performance, slight discrepancies in beamwidth and sidelobe level are noted in each cases. These are ascribed to mutual coupling effects. Of the three bonding techniques investigated, soft soldering results in the production of an array whose radiation pattern is in closest agreement with theory. Electronbeam welding is also seen to be capable of producing a satisfactory array, although the process is more complicated. Neither soft soldering, electron-beam welding, nor vacuum brazing gives rise to any significant increase in feeder loss.
- Publication:
-
2nd International Conference on Antennas and Propagation
- Pub Date:
- 1981
- Bibcode:
- 1981icap.conf...63G
- Keywords:
-
- Antenna Arrays;
- Antenna Design;
- Electroforming;
- Millimeter Waves;
- Slot Antennas;
- Waveguide Antennas;
- Antenna Radiation Patterns;
- Assembling;
- Extremely High Frequencies;
- Fabrication;
- Resonant Frequencies;
- Telecommunication;
- Tolerances (Mechanics);
- Wave Amplification;
- Electronics and Electrical Engineering