A 24 GHz Microstrip Antenna Array Incorporating a Ridge Waveguide Feed Network

A major restriction of high gain microstrip antenna arrays is found in their high losses, mainly due to the feeding network. In this contribution, design and results of a 24 GHz microstrip array antenna with a quasi-planar, low-loss ridge waveguide feed network are presented. Interconnects between planar structures and waveguide network are done by slot coupling. The waveguide network for this antenna was machined from aluminum, but in a later phase, it might be fabricated using plastic injection molding and electroplating to realize low-loss, low-cost planar antennas.