Design and simulation of phased array antenna 5G applications

Abstract

Modern mobile communication faces challenges due to the limited frequency spectrum, driving the need for antennas that are simple, low-profile, and robust. Microstrip patch antennas and arrays are ideal choices due to their size, cost, and performance advantages. Polarization is crucial, especially in mobile and space communications, where antenna misalignment requires constant reorientation. Rectangular microstrip patch antennas can help mitigate signal loss and multipath effects in such scenarios. Phased array subsystems are becoming essential in next-generation mobile communication for their ability to electronically steer antenna beams without physical movement. Previous methods for rectangular microstrip patch radiation using orthogonal modes with a 90° time-phase difference resulted in poor axial ratio, gain, and return loss. These methods also used complex dual-feed excitation with an external 90° power divider and external phase shifters for beam steering. This paper proposes a simpler approach using a corner trimming technique for radiation and progressive phase excitations at source ports for phased arrays. The design and optimization for 26 GHz operation are achieved using simulation-based modeling software, ANSYS HFSS, on substrates like FR4 epoxy and Rogers RT or Duroid 5880. This paper includes the design and simulation of rectangular microstrip patches and 1x2 and 1x4 linear phased arrays to operate at 26 Ghz.