Design and Implementation of Two-Layer Compact Wideband Butler Matrices in SIW Technology for Ku-Band Applications

The design and realization of a novel wideband two-layer 4 × 4 Butler matrix in substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology are addressed. The two-layer SIW design is exploited through a two-fold enhancement approach. The two-layer topology is first explored in a simple matrix layout with minimum number of components. A space saving design is then proposed making optimum use of the two-layer topology and the SIW technology leading to a significant size reduction. A two-level, low-loss, wideband SIW transition is designed and optimized using its equivalent circuit model. The two corresponding Butler matrix prototypes are optimized, fabricated and measured. Measured and simulated results are in good agreement. Isolation characteristics better than -15 dB with input reflection levels lower than - 12 dB are experimentally validated over 24% frequency bandwidth centered at 12.5 GHz. Measured transmission magnitudes and phases exhibit good dispersive characteristics of 1 dB, around an average value of -6.8 dB, and 10° with respect to the theoretical phase values, respectively, over the entire frequency band. The impact of the measured transmission phases and magnitudes on the radiation pattern of a 4-element antenna array is also investigated.