Advancing 5G Connectivity: Design and Analysis of a 4 x 4 Butler Matrix Integrated MM-wave Beam-steerable Antenna Array

This paper presents the design methodology of a high-gain, mm-wave beam-steerable antenna array system employing a single-layer configuration, utilizing a 4 x 4 Butler Matrix. In the proposed structure, eight uniformly spaced rectangular patches are integrated at the output ports of the Butler Matrix feed network. The overall antenna operates over the mm-wave spectrum of 25.5 GHz to 32 GHz having an impedance bandwidth of >25%. The main beam of the suggested antenna exhibits beam-steering capabilities at 28 GHz resonating frequency, effectively directing beams toward angles of +14.5°, -37.5°, +35°, and -11.5° with an average peak gain of >15 dBi, and side lobe levels of <-12 dB. With its wide bandwidth, high gain, and superior beam-steering capability, the proposed antenna is well-suited for deployment in 5G wireless networks.