Gain-enhanced 60-GHz SIW cavity-backed slot array antenna using metallic grooves

Abstract

In this article, a 60-GHz substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity-backed slot array antenna with metallic grooves is proposed. To feed the four slot antenna elements, an SIW feed structure with a microstrip-to-SIW transition is used. To account for the effect of an actual connector on the antenna performance, simulations including the V-band connector model were carried out. The measured 10-dB return loss bandwidth of the proposed antenna with the connector is 600 MHz (59.76-60.36 GHz). Sixteen metallic grooves are used to enhance the gain characteristics. By adding grooves, the electric field is concentrated in the +z direction. The measured broadside gain of the proposed antenna array with grooves is 13.59 dBi. Compared to a conventional SIW cavity-backed slot antenna array, the proposed antenna array with 16 grooves has an enhanced gain of 5.6 dB.