A wide-band microstrip series array at MM-wave

A design methodology is outlined for planar microstrip series fed arrays with emphasis on the MM-wave region of the frequency spectrum. The array comprises a linear arrangement of microstrip patches with each patch loading the preceding patch in succession and finally terminated in a matched load. A new technique incorporating variations of patch width to feed line width yields bandwidths in excess of 10 per cent. An experimental study involving dielectric substrates of different permittivities is subsequently undertaken. Comparison is then made with computed results from a full wave analytical model. Results obtained tend to portray the versatility of the antenna and signify its importance for circuit integration.