77-GHz mmWave antenna array on liquid crystal polymer for automotive radar and RF front-end module

Abstract

This paper introduces a low-cost, high-performance mmWave antenna array module at 77 GHz. Conventional waveguide transitions have been replaced by 3D CPW-microstrip transitions which are much simpler to realize. They are compatible with low-cost substrate fabrication processes, allowing easy integration of ICs in 3D multi-chip modules. An antenna array is designed and implemented using multilayer coupled-fed patch antenna technology. The proposed 16 × 16 array antenna has a fractional bandwidth of 8.4% (6.5 GHz) and a 23.6-dBi realized gain at 77 GHz.