A Compact and High Gain Dielectric-Loaded 60GHz Multi-Stepped Waveguide Antenna Array

In this paper, a wideband high-gain 2 × 2-element subarray is presented for 60 GHz applications. The antenna is fed with waveguide-fed cavity backed configuration and designed entirely via simple rectangular apertures. To improve radiation pattern characteristics and reduce the antenna size, stepped-radiating apertures loaded with a solid dielectric material. A standard WR-15 rectangular waveguide is designed to excite the antenna at the input port over the operation frequency. The most significant advantage of using this design is its efficient radiation patterns, ability to decrease complexity and cost of fabrication. Simulated results demonstrate a maximum gain of about 19.5 dB, and the sidelobe level (SLL) of the antenna is less than -19 dB in E- and H-planes radiation patterns over the frequency range from 57.5 to 62.5 GHz. In contrast to previous works, the proposed antenna is much more simple to use in antenna array applications. Reduction in the number of radiating apertures and compact feeding networks will lower significantly the size and complexity of a large array with higher gain.