A novel array antenna fed by CPW for an EHF in-building WLAN system

This paper presents novel printed array antennas fed by CPW (coplanar waveguide) configuration with a feed line on single layer for the EHF band around a center frequency of 30 GHz. This type of coupling is advantageous when applied to millimeter wave monolithic phased arrays. A unique feed design eliminates the competition for surface space between the antenna elements and the feed network Besides, the ground plane shields the antenna half-space from spurious radiation emitted by feed lines and active devices. The single and array antennas are designed on a high dielectric constant substrate (εr = 9.9), which demonstrates the feasibility of integration of such an antenna structure into monolithic circuits. The array antenna is the key component in a switched beam antenna system used in a prototype broadband wireless LAN system operating at up to 160 Mbit/s. Details of the overall system, which is intended for in building communication, is also presented.