Multi-beam discrete lens arrays with amplitude-controlled steering

This paper presents a multi-beam antenna array with amplitude-controlled continuous beam steering of each beam. The principle is demonstrated on a Ka-band full-duplex dual-polarized array with an uplink frequency of 24.7GHz and a down-link frequency of 26.7GHz. The array is designed as a discrete lens, and the antenna elements are dual-frequency patches integrated in a 5-layer structure with delay lines that enable multiple beams. The array is spatially fed with a feed corresponding to each beam. Amplitude control at the feed results in continuous beam steering. Theoretical and experimental results for the multi-beam patterns and the beam steering are presented.