Wideband Reconfigurable Millimeter-Wave Linear Array Antenna Using Liquid Crystal for 5G Networks

Abstract

The advanced design of a 10 × 1 linear antenna array system with the capability of frequency tunability using GT3-23001 liquid crystal (LC) is proposed. The design for this reconfigurable wideband antenna array for 5G applications at Ka-band millimeter-wave (mmw) consists of a double layer of stacked patch antenna with aperture coupled feeding. The bias voltage over LC varies from 0 V to 10.6 V to achieve a frequency tunability of 1.18 GHz. The array operates from 25.3 GHz to 33.8 GHz with a peak gain of 19.2 dB and a beamwidth of 5.2˚ at 30 GHz. The proposed reconfigurable antenna array represents a real and efficient solution for the recent and future mmw 5G networks. The proposed antenna is suitable for 5G base stations in stadiums, malls and convention centers. It is proper for satellite communications and radars at mmw.