Aperture coupled unidirectional dielectric radiator (UDR) and UDR array for microwave and millimeter-wave wireless communications

Experimental and analytical results of unidirectional dielectric radiator arrays (UDRA) are presented for the first time in this paper. Attractive performance, due to the use of nonradiating dielectric waveguide (NRD) structures, are demonstrated. Particularly, the feed technique, where the UDR and UDRA are coupled through a small aperture to a microstrip line with its ground plane serving also as the shielding plane of the NRD structure, are described. Measurement results show that the coupling efficiency and radiation efficiency are very high and the mechanical tolerance very good. Such a circuit configuration allows the combination of planar millimeter wave M(H)MIC techniques and NRD techniques in one system for the best use of different techniques for different functions. This type of antenna is well suited for microwave/millimeter-wave wireless communications.