A newly developed high-gain antenna array is poised to revolutionize millimeter-wave (mmWave) communications, particularly within the rapidly advancing Internet of Vehicles (IoV). This innovative 16 × 16-slot antenna array, crafted using tapered ridge gap waveguide technology, successfully achieves low sidelobe levels, making it significantly suitable for high-speed data transmission.
The design, which was recently published by researchers D. Zarifi, A.S. Saber, and A.U. Zaman from Chalmers University of Technology, presents compelling technical advancements aimed at enhancing vehicular communication systems. High-performance antennas like this one are increasingly integral to modern automotive technologies, facilitating seamless interaction between vehicles and infrastructure, especially satellite communications.
With broadband needs soaring alongside the growing demand for Internet connectivity on the road, the new antenna features impressive specifications: it boasts over 17% impedance bandwidth across frequencies from 27.5 to 32.6 GHz—an operational range including both the standard vehicle-to-satellite bands and 5G mmWave N261 band.
Achieving these milestones required overcoming several technical challenges. The design emphasizes reducing feeding network loss through effective power distribution algorithms. By utilizing ridge gap waveguide technology rather than traditional methods, the researchers were able to develop a structure with low manufacturing costs and minimized dielectric losses.
Specifically, this antenna configuration was realized by employing tapered feeding networks and cavity-backed slot antennas. These design features resultantly improved the gain to 28.9 dBi, with sidelobe levels measured at lower than -20 dB—an accomplishment enhancing signal integrity and reducing interference from other sources.
The advantages of this high-gain, low-sidelobe design extend to various applications, such as vehicular radar systems, which require reliable signaling under challenging conditions. The ability to transmit and receive data more effectively can significantly increase channel capacity and signal-to-noise ratios, leading to faster data rates and improved automotive safety.
Key measurement results reflect the antenna's performance capabilities, particularly its input reflection coefficient, which remains under -10 dB throughout the operating frequency range, validating the design's effectiveness. The prototype testing was performed in advanced laboratory settings, ensuring precise assessments of its radiative qualities.
The integration of gap waveguide technology streamlines the manufacturing process, providing both cost efficiency and performance gains, pivotal for the growing demand for compact, effective antennas within the IoV ecosystem.
Overall, this research marks significant progress not only within antenna design but also for the potential future applications of enabling technologies geared toward connected vehicles. The insights gained from this study could pave the way for more innovative designs, contributing substantially to improving vehicular communication systems and ensuring safer driving experiences.
Moving forward, the authors advocate for continued exploration of gap waveguide technology to meet the dynamic needs of mmWave applications, ensuring alignment with the fast-evolving paradigms of modern transportation and communication.
