Odd numbered elements double slot array antenna with simplified 90 degree step phase shifter implementation

In order to solve the complexity issue of the beam-forming antenna phase shifters (90 degree step) that is a key technology of multi-Gbps transmission in 60 GHz band, this paper proposes odd numbered element double slot array antennas. The proposed antenna is designed as symmetry against the center element and thus, the number of effective phase combination patterns is reduced to about one-half of conventional ones. Moreover, in practical implementations, the proposed antenna needs much less adjustment of the each element antenna phase due to its symmetry. To evaluate this concept, heuristic computer simulations have been carried out to find the phase combinations and got very simple two phase combinations on top of the no-phase control center element for five element double slot array antenna. To validate the computer simulations, a five element double slot antennas was fabricated and the measured performance has shown a good agreement with the computer simulations providing an antenna gain of 10 dBi and a steering coverage of +/- 36 degrees. Although the evaluation has been done with five element antennas, this concept and advantage could be extended to general odd-numbered slot antennas.