A compact dual-polarized multibeam phased-array architecture for millimeter-wave radar

A broad-band dual-polarized phased array is presented, which allows for independent beam control of the vertical and horizontal polarization with multibeam scanning in azimuth and elevation. The system is based upon a compact tray architecture with element spacing of 0.6λ. Using stereolithography, a miniature dual-polarized waveguide front end was fabricated, which provides a low-loss transition to the microstrip phase-shifting circuitry. A p-i-n diode switch followed by a low-noise amplifier is implemented for each tray to allow for the electronically controlled beam scanning with a 49° field of view. The phased array demonstrates broad-band characteristics from 34 to 40 GHz with better than 20-dB cross-polarization signal discrimination.