An Antenna Array Design for Over-the-Air Testing Evaluation with Automated Test Equipment

This paper presents an antenna array design for utilization in the evaluation of over the air (OTA) testing for high volume manufacturing (HVM) with automated test equipment (ATE). A novel design of the stacked-patch antenna with a stepped shape of cavity-backing was proposed to increase antenna bandwidth. This design can be used in various array configurations. The antenna is manufactured using a low-cost dielectric material and operates in an extended frequency range (22% relative bandwidth) both in terms of return loss level and radiation performance. The paper describes both symmetrical (2×2) and asymmetrical (1×3) antenna arrays for use in the 24-30 and 37-40 GHz bands. The simulation results were confirmed with measurement of the fabricated 2×2 antenna array test boards for both bands. The developed antenna array is used in an antenna in package (AiP) measurement setup to compare near-field and far-field measurement approaches and demonstrate their correlation.