Among the different types of antennas, phased array antennas are widely adopted due to advantages such as high gain, reliability, high signal-to-noise ratio, and beam steering capabilities.
A phased array antenna is a collection of several individual antenna elements that are connected together to act as a single unit. Phased array antenna designs are used in various applications such as:
- Radar-based sensor technology
- Satellite communication systems
- 5G technology systems
- Military aircraft. They possess desirable features such as spatial filtering, gain boosting, and sensitivity improvement.
Phased array antenna technology overcomes restricted speed and reliability concerns by employing multiple antennas to work as a group. A phased array antenna is a multiple antenna system in which the desired field patterns can be achieved through beam steering. The number of antennas can range from a few to thousands.
The radiation patterns of phased array antennas can be reinforced in the desired direction and can be suppressed in the undesired direction. The direction of radiation from phased array antennas is electronically controlled and this prevents the need for any mechanical movement. The phase variation between the radiated signals from each antenna in the array is achieved through the electronic steering feature in phased array antennas.
Phased array antenna designers have been faced with considerable challenges over the years. Recently, designing an ultra-wideband array antenna for 5G has been an issue because of the highly fragmented electromagnetic spectrum.
To overcome bandwidth limitations, several millimeter-wave bands for 5G and beyond applications have been considered.
Recent developments and techniques regarding a specific type of phased array antenna used in 5G applications is called current sheet array (CSA). CSA consists of capacitively coupled elements placed over a ground plane, with mutual coupling intentionally introduced in a controlled manner between the elements.
CSA concept evolved and led to the realization of new array antennas with multiple octaves of bandwidth.
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For more information, questions, comments, contact us.