A 38 GHz Microstrip Array with an E-Plane Waveguide Feeding 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 38 GHz microstrip array antenna with a low-loss E-plane 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.