K-to-W-band phased array antenna technology

A new phased array antenna (PAA) has been designed with frequency coverage from K- to W-band. This approach takes advantage of new 3D lithographic manufacturing techniques and Harris´ Current Sheet Antenna (CSA) to cover 16-110 GHz from a single aperture. In this paper, analysis results will be presented, providing greater than 50% radiation efficiency over the entire instantaneous bandwidth and good scan performance to 60 degrees. To the author´s knowledge, this is the first PAA capable of continuous operation from 16-110 GHz. This exciting new technology will be applicable to future avionics systems with direct integration to transmit and receive RF photonic back-ends.