An Aperiodic mm-Wave Phased Array Controlled by Multi-Channel Analog Beamforming ICs

Abstract

A novel dual-linear polarized active aperiodic millimeter-wave (26 GHz band) phased array is prototyped. Four-channel integrated circuits are used for beamforming. An asymmetrical signal distribution and antenna feeding network is designed. A heuristic post-calibration method is applied in beam steering. The measurements show that, as compared to the benchmark array with a conventional square-grid layout, the proposed aperiodic topology can significantly decrease the peak sidelobe level, the extent of which depends on the polarization and scan angle. This comes at the expense of larger array size, higher feed network losses and increased cross-polarization levels.