Studies on E-band antennas and propagation

We have studied beam-steering radio in the E-band., e.g. for high-capacity communication links. Lens antennas provide high gain and are suitable for integration at millimeter wave frequencies, e.g., for beam-switching a planar antenna array with a switching network may be integrated to the surface of the lens; one patch is activated at a time for each beam direction. In order to improve the scanning characteristics and reduce reflection losses, we have studied optimization of the lens shape using ray tracing. A propagation channel model has been developed for point-to-point links in street canyons and from roof to street in an urban environment. The model is based on extensive measurements in the E-band. The substance of the channel model is in identification of multipath components in the environment. That is supported by separate measurements of radio wave reflection and scattering from various environmental structures such as building walls.