Multi-dimensional and multi-functional substrate integrated waveguide antennas and arrays for GHz and THz applications: An emerging disruptive technology

This paper reviews the past and current research status of substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) antennas and arrays for GHz and THz system applications. Special interest is oriented to on-going worldwide efforts and development of various multi-dimensional and multi-functional highly integrated SIW antenna and array geometries and techniques with focus on single- and multi-beam antennas and arrays. They also include various emerging stacked multilayer structures and non-stacked three-dimensionally expandable LEGO-style design, which present a disruptive scheme. In particular, the LEGO-style design is shown to enable the development of partial- and full-plane beam-processing antennas and arrays. With the SIW scheme, both beam-forming networks and antenna array can be integrated with minimum cross-talk and signal interference. Transmitting and receiving antennas can fully be integrated on the same substrate with maximum isolation. Forward-looking thoughts and future outlooks are provided for higher-density GHz and THz integration schemes.