A Ka-Band Multi-Layer Parasitic Patch Array Antenna Using Low-Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic Technology

An aperture-coupled multi-layer parasitic patch array antenna operating at the Ka-band has been developed based on low-temperature co-fired ceramic technology. E-shaped parasitic patches are employed to direct the antenna radiation toward the broadside direction, thus improving the gain. Meanwhile, the parallel slots in the parasitic patches excite multiple resonant modes to broaden the bandwidth. The antenna shows a measured 10-dB impedance bandwidth of 28% (31.1 to 41.2 GHz) with a gain of >6 dBi at 31 to 38 GHz. A mutual coupling of <-18 dB is measured between adjacent elements with a center-to-center spacing of 6 mm (0.7(0) at 35 GHz). A two-element array was also developed, which exhibits a measured 10-dB impedance bandwidth of 26% (31.5 to 40.7 GHz), as well as a gain >8.8 dBi at 31 to 37 GHz and a peak gain of 9.7 at 36 GHz. The proposed antenna achieves wide bandwidth and relatively high gain, which is suitable for millimeter-wave radars and high data-rate communication systems.