Development of antenna arrays integrated to Butler arrays for millimeter-wave beamforming

• Grant number: 22/03519-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2022
• End date: December 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Telecommunications
• Principal Investigator: Rafael Abrantes Penchel
• Grantee: Elígia Simionato
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus Experimental São João da Boa Vista. São João da Boa Vista , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 22/08613-0 - Study of millimeter wave devices fabricated on metallic-nanowire-membrane technology, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

The growing interest in enabling and standardizing millimeter-wave frequencies, as a response to the demand for spectrum availability and connectivity, is driving the development of broadband devices capable of overcoming the obstacles imposed by extremely high frequencies. One of these obstacles is the greater propagation loss in free space, the more intense the higher the frequency, added to the attenuation caused by atmospheric gases, dust, and rain. Highly directive antennas, combined with beamforming networks (adaptive and electronically directional beams), are one of the solutions that aim to compensate for the propagation loss. This project proposes the study of Butler matrices, one of the main beamforming networks, operating in millimeter waves. The matrices will be developed in two frequency bands: 77 GHz to 81 GHz, allocated to support high resolution and short-range automotive radars; and 116 GHz to 123 GHz, under study and recently allocated for unlicensed use due to high interest in the 7 GHz of continuous available spectrum. The elementary components of the Butler matrix hybrid couplers, phase shifters, and crossovers will be designed, analyzed, and optimized separately. A series array of patch antennas that will be fed by the beamforming network will also be developed. All components will be integrated into a single device that will be built and characterized for the frequencies 77 GHz to 81 GHz. The fabrication will use the metallic-nanowire-membrane (MnM) technology, available at the Millimeter Wave Center of the Polytechnic School at São Paulo University.(AU)