Multi-Beam Multi-Layer Leaky-Wave SIW Pillbox Antenna for Millimeter-Wave Applications

This work proposes a novel multi-beam leaky-wave pillbox antenna. The antenna system is based on three main parts: feeding part (integrated horns), quasi-optical system and radiating part. The radiating and input parts are placed in two different stacked substrates connected by an optimized quasi-optical system. In contrast to conventional pillbox antennas, the quasi-optical system is made by a pin-made integrated parabola and several coupling slots whose sizes and positions are used to efficiently transfer the energy coming from the input part to the radiating part. The latter consists of a printed leaky-wave antenna, namely an array of slots etched on the uppermost metal layer. Seven pin-made integrated horns are placed in the focal plane of the integrated parabola to radiate seven beams in the far field. Each part of the antenna structure can be optimized independently, thus facilitating and speeding up the complete antenna design. The antenna concept has been validated by measurements (around 24 GHz) showing a scanning capability over ±30° in azimuth and more than 20° in elevation thanks to the frequency scanning behavior of the leaky-wave radiating part. The proposed antenna is well suited to low-cost printed circuit board fabrication process, and its low profile and compactness make it a very promising solution for applications in the millimeter-wave range.