Multibeam Graded Dielectric Lens Antenna From Multimaterial 3-D Printing
Abstract
Modern communication systems will require antennas with adaptive functionality which are able to modify their performance based on the requirements of the channel. For example, mobile ad-hoc networks need directive antennas that are able to radiate in any direction across the 360° azimuth plane. Conformal antennas that can be simply operated to have multi-functional performance characteristics are therefore of interest. In this paper, we present a gradient-index lens antenna designed to radiate with a 45° beamwidth across 8 different sectors. When fed by a simple switched feeding network, the lens is able to provide 360° azimuth coverage in 45° segments. Further analysis of the radiation patterns shows how two distinct multi-beam patterns can be produced from simple feed networks and simultaneous excitation of each feeding element. The proposed lens is fabricated by multi-material 3D printing. The final lens radiates with a gain of 8.5 dBi when a single sector is excited, and with a maximum gain of 5.9 dBi in multi-beam mode. Finally, it is shown how the lens can also radiate omnidirectionally when optimised phase and amplitude weightings are applied to each port.
- Publication:
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IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation
- Pub Date:
- September 2020
- DOI:
- 10.1109/TAP.2020.2978949
- arXiv:
- arXiv:2004.03880
- Bibcode:
- 2020ITAP...68.6832G
- Keywords:
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- Physics - Applied Physics
- E-Print:
- doi:10.1109/TAP.2020.2978949