Quad-beam 4 × 2 array antenna for millimeter-wave 5G applications

Abstract

This article presents the design of a novel, compact, 4 × 2 planar-array antenna that provides quad-beam radiation in the broadside direction, and it enhances coverage and serviceability for millimeter-wave applications. The antenna utilizes a corporate (parallel) feed network to deliver equal power and phase to all elements. Non-uniform element spacing in the two orthogonal planes, exceeding 0.5𝜆��1 (𝜆��1 being the wavelength at 30 GHz), results in a quad-beam radiation pattern. Two beams are formed in the xz-plane and two in the yz-plane, oriented at angles of θ=±54° . However, this spacing leads to null radiation at the center and splits the radiation energy, reducing the overall gain. The measured half-power beamwidth (HPBW) is 30° in the xz-plane and 35° in the yz-plane, with X-polarization levels of −20.5 dB and −26 dB, respectively. The antenna achieves a bandwidth of 28.5–31.1 GHz and a peak gain of 10.6 dBi. Furthermore, increasing the aperture size enhances the gain and narrows the beamwidth by replicating the structure and tuning the feed network. These features make the proposed antenna suitable for 5G wireless communication systems.