Antenna Array and GaAs Phase Shifter MMIC for Millimeter wave Beamforming - Co-simulation and Measurements

Novel millimeter wave microstrip line antenna arrays and a GaAs phase shifter MMIC using 0.1um pHEMTs are realized to demonstrate compact, high gain beamforming. The proposed microstrip arrays are small and easy to integrate with MMICs and millimeter wave platforms. The surface current cancellation of an ideal microstrip line is altered to make an effective radiator. High gain, good radiation pattern and low side lobe levels makes the array feasible and attractive for future integrated millimeter wave arrays. A reflective phase shifter using a hybrid coupler and cold FETs are proposed in the MMIC design. A continuous 160° phase shift with compensating adjustable gain values is offered by the MMIC. Measured gain of MMIC can vary from a peak gain of 8 dBi to −6.5 dBi. Co-simulation of the fabricated MMIC phase shifter and the 4 × 1 series-fed microstrip array achieved gain of 15.5dBi, while steered to 18°.