A novel Chebyshev series fed linear array with high gain and low sidelobe level for WLAN outdoor systems

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a novel linear microstrip array antenna with high gain and low sidelobe level (SLL) for outdoor WLAN applications. The array antenna includes of two main parts: a linear array and a reflector. Specifically, the array is linearly constructed with 10 elements; those are placed on Rogers RT/Duroid 5870tm substrate with the dimensions of 422×100×10.15 mm3. Furthermore, to acquire the SLL reduction, a series fed network is designed to have the output signals being proportional to the Chebyshev distributions (with the preset SLL of -30 dB). On the optimization of the single element, Yagi antenna theory is applied by adding two directors above each element to increase its directivity. Additionally, we put a reflector at the back side of the proposed array. Simulation results indicate that the array operates well at 5.5 GHz with the high gain of 17.5 dBi and a low SLL of -26 dB. A prototype has been fabricated and measured to validate the simulation results. Good agreement between simulation and measurement data have been obtained. This proves that the presented array antenna can be a good candidate for WLAN applications.