Efficient, Wide Band, Scanning Phased Array Demonstrator Using Planar Circularly Symmetric EBGs

This paper shows how the design of integrated arrays can significantly benefit from Planar Circularly Symmetric (PCS) EBGs. Using this technology a phased array that scans up to 40° in one dimension and characterized by relatively large bandwidth (BW ≈ 15%) is designed, manufactured and measured. The specific advantages tied to the use of PCS-EBGs are twofold. On one side, the losses associated to surface waves are significantly reduced. On the other side, each element of the array has a larger effective area that leads to a higher gain for the complete arrays when compared with a standard technology. Further side benefits are the very low cross-polarization levels and the excellent front to back ratio considering that the antenna is low profile and does not include a backing reflector. Since the PCS-EBG technology is completely planar, it is suited for applications that require low cost integrated solutions such Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) front ends, wireless LAN, etc.