Millimeter-wave liquid crystal polymer based conformal antenna array for 5G applications

Jilani, S. F., Munoz, M., Abbasi, Q. H. and Alomainy, A. (2019) Millimeter-wave liquid crystal polymer based conformal antenna array for 5G applications. IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters, 18(1), pp. 84-88. (doi: 10.1109/LAWP.2018.2881303)

Abstract

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 Ka-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 Ka-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.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Abbasi, Professor Qammer
• Authors: Jilani, S. F., Munoz, M., Abbasi, Q. H., and Alomainy, A.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
• Journal Name: IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters
• Publisher: IEEE
• ISSN: 1536-1225
• ISSN (Online): 1548-5757
• Published Online: 15 November 2018
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 IEEE
• First Published: First published in IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters 18(1):84-88
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher