Ultra wideband phased array antenna using slow wave microstrip dielectric loaded phase shifters

This paper presents a 3-11GHz ultra-wideband 1×4 linear array of antipodal tapered slot antennas (ATSAs) with beam steering capability. The scanning capability of the array is realized by dielectric loaded slow microstrip line (SWML) phase shifters. A low cost true time delay phase shifter is developed by dielectric overlay of microstrip and SWMLs. The SWML is obtained by a capacitive loading of the microstrip line. The differential phase shift offered by this technique is well over 300°. The measured reflection coefficient value of integrated array system is less than -10dB over the ultra-wideband range. The proposed phased array antenna has resulted in a beam steering over 50° (±25°) at 11GHz.