Low-cost antenna array with 2D beam steering capability using the CTS and ferroelectric materials technologies

The design of a new low-cost antenna array with 2D beam scanning capability is presented in this paper. The design procedure is based on the Continuous Transverse Stub (CTS) technology and the use of Ferroelectric material. With the application of a low loss Ferroelectric material BSTO with 40% Oxide III, beam scan capability from -60° to 60° was achieved. The trade-offs in selecting the Ferroelectric material and between losses and bias voltage in the CTS design were also examined. Furthermore, it was found necessary to adjust the dimensions of the radiating stubs as well as the connecting sections of the feed waveguide so as to eliminate reflections between the stubs and hence maintain the desirable radiation pattern. It is shown that the use of an average height for the feed waveguide will result in deterioration in the radiation pattern