Planar array antenna fabrication and measurement experience?

planar array antenna

Hi all,
I'm working with a planar array antenna at 60GHz, Duroid RT5880 material for substrate. Now simulation is completed. I want to fabricate and confirm simulation results by measurement. However, I have no experience at this frequency for fabrication and measurement.
Anyone give me some advice!

Thanks in advance!

Re: Planar array antenna fabrication and measurement experie

Pay particular attention to tolerances and dimensions. A 60 GHz design is not going to be fabricated easily. Since you mentioned Rogers 5880 I assume that you have designed some sort of PCB array.

You might want to examine the test equipment budget and type as well. If you do not already have access to a well equipped mm wave lab you might want to consider finding a contractor to help your validation. Working in this range is expensive $$$$$.

I have done testing to 200 GHz for a multi band reflector system a it was painful because the positioning and measurement accuracy needed. I spent a year learning about coordinate measurement machines (CMM). I needed to locate parts of the antenna very accurately in three dimensions. I had a very interesting discussion with a very senior inspector and machine shop supervisor about how one needs 6 coordinates to locate a point in space rather than the usual three (x,y, z)we usually use. In one sense he was correct.

You don't say what type of testing you need but I would anticipate that you are after s11 and radiation characterization of your array.

Another area to consider is the fixtures and collateral hardware that you will need to support and position your test antenna.

Extremely narrow beamwidths or low sidelobes could add more difficulty. One good thing, at 60 GHz the far field is closer than it would be for a similar antenna at a lower frequency.

Re: Planar array antenna fabrication and measurement experie

Hi Azulykit,
Thanks for your consideration.
Yes, I want to measure S11 and radiation characteristic of the antenna array. It is single layer antenna array, includes 4x6 patch, sloted couple with the patch is feed by CPW at the back.
I heard that we have a dry etching machine to fabricate, or use MEMS technology if need be and VNA to measure. However I'm a very new one at my laboratory and unfortunately no-one at my Lab has experience on antenna.
So, what would I do first?

Thanks!

Re: Planar array antenna fabrication and measurement experie

I would start with the items I suggested in my last post.

You might also find a simple antenna in this band to test and gain familiarity with the test equipment you have available.

Re: Planar array antenna fabrication and measurement experie

Thank you, Azulykit!
Your advices're meaningful to me.

Sincerely,