Millimeter wave beamforming and antenna design

In this article, I will cover various aspects of millimeter wave (mmW) beamforming and antenna technology with what I consider interesting and unique technical design examples. Beamforming Beamforming networks (BFN) are used to combine signals from small antennae into a pattern that is more directional than each individual antenna alone because of the array factor. Beamformers are used in radar and communications. A radar example is a linear array capable of four beams in azimuth for an automotive radar; a communications example is a two-dimensional beamformer used in a satellite to cover a broad ground area in multiple spots. BFN can provide simultaneous beam coverage, such as in a satellite, or single-point coverage, like that of a classic phased array radar system. Beams can be fixed in a design or adaptive using beamsteering computer control. There are two main kinds of phased array beamforming networks: passive electronically steerable antenna (PESA) and active electronically steerable antenna (AESA). See this video by Keysight’s Dr. Sangkyo Shin on beamforming: