Helix inspired 28 GHz broadband antenna with end-fire radiation pattern

Abstract

This paper presents the design and characterization of a via free planar single turn helix for 28 GHz broadband applications. The proposed antenna is designed using ROGERS RO4003 material, having a simple structure and end-fire radiation pattern. The antenna comprises of a compact dimension of 1.36 λ0 × 0.9 λ0 with a thickness of 0.0189 λ0 (where λ0 is the free-space wavelength at the central frequency of 28 GHz). Parametric study has been carried out to investigate the impact of key design parameters and to achieve an optimum design. Results show a good agreement between the simulated and measured results. A single turn helical inspired antenna covers −10 dB impedance bandwidth of 26.25-30.14 GHz having a peak gain of 5.83 dB and radiation efficiency up to 85%. Moreover, linear array configurations with 2 and 4 elements have been analyzed for applications with higher gain and space constraints. Presented array configurations are suitable for applications having space constraints in one dimension. Results show that peak gain up to 8.2 dB and 11.1 dB can be achieved with 2 and 4 elements, respectively. Due to its simple planar and via free structure, this antenna is suitable for 5G communications and for sensing, imaging, IoT and tracking applications at 28 GHz band spectrum.