3-D-Printed Dielectric Resonator Antenna Arrays Based on Standing-Wave Feeding Approach

A novel feeding method for a dielectric resonator array antenna is introduced. Unlike in a corporate feed network, power dividers or quarter-wave transformers are not needed in the new feeding scheme as the design is based on the standing-wave concept. Consequently, the feed network is greatly simplified, and undesired spurious radiation in the feeding network is minimized. The simulated and measured results are in good agreement. A 3-D printer is utilized where the entire array structure is fabricated as a single piece with a dielectric material of polylactic acid. The 3-D printer provides a cost-efficient, simple, and rapid manufacturing process.