Architecture and implementation of planar 4 × 4 Ku-Band Nolen Matrix using SIW technology

A new Nolen matrix architecture based on SIW technology has been proposed and presented for the first time. The matrix has been optimized by using the commercial software HFSS to operate from 12.25GHz to 12.75GHz. The fabricated prototype has performances in good agreement with simulation results. The measured power-split imbalance stays within 1 dB over the specified bandwidth. The proposed design technique has the advantages of low cost, light weight and ease of fabrication. This planar realization is of great interest for integration in more complex microwave systems such as multiple beam antennas.