Millimeter-Wave Liquid Crystal Polymer Based Conformal Antenna Array for 5G Applications

This letter presents the design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of a flexible millimeter-wave (mm-wave) antenna array for the fifth generation (5G) wireless networks operating at K a -band (26.5-40 GHz). The single element antenna is comprised of a coplanar-waveguide-fed rectangular patch t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:IEEE antennas and wireless propagation letters 2019-01, Vol.18 (1), p.84-88
Main Authors: Jilani, Syeda Fizzah, Munoz, Max O., Abbasi, Qammer H., Alomainy, Akram
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
5G mobile communication
Antenna arrays
Antenna measurements
Antenna radiation patterns
Antennas
Bandwidth
Bandwidths
Coplanar waveguides
Directivity
Fifth generation (5G)
flexible
Heating systems
High gain
inkjet
Inkjet printing
Laser machining
liquid crystal polymer (LCP)
Liquid crystal polymers
Liquid crystals
Millimeter waves
Performance evaluation
Polymers
Substrates
Thin films
Wearable technology
wireless
Wireless networks
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Summary:This letter presents the design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of a flexible millimeter-wave (mm-wave) antenna array for the fifth generation (5G) wireless networks operating at K a -band (26.5-40 GHz). The single element antenna is comprised of a coplanar-waveguide-fed rectangular patch tapered at its sides with two vertically oriented slots. The ground is designed with L-shaped stubs to converge the dispersed radiation pattern for improving the directivity and gain. The antenna fabrication is accomplished by two advanced methods of laser-milling and inkjet printing on a thin film of flexible liquid crystal polymer. A novel and time-efficient method for postprinting sintering is also proposed in this letter. The design is extended in a two-element array for the gain enhancement. Measurements have validated that the proposed antenna array exhibits a bandwidth of 26-40 GHz with a peak gain of 11.35 dBi at 35 GHz, and consistent high gain profile of above 9 dBi in the complete K a -band. These features recommend the proposed antenna array as an efficient solution for integration in future flexible 5G front ends and mm-wave wearable devices.
ISSN:1536-1225
1548-5757
DOI:10.1109/LAWP.2018.2881303