Microstrip Patch Array with Multiple Beams

A novel multiple beam microstrip patch array is presented that combines the function of a beamformer and an array into one structure that gives a one dimensional beam set. The array comprises a set of series resonant patch arrays that are excited by a number of travelling wave feed lines. The beam directions are determined by small meander line phase shifting sections in each feed line. In this paper the array operation is described and the behaviour of the radiation pattern, gain, bandwidth and beam isolation are noted. Measured results for a 5 beam array at 8 GHz are given. The array gives significant simplification over other current multiple beam antennas and has potential use in several current application areas.