Low-Cost Radial Line Slot Array Antenna for Millimeter-Wave Backhaul Links

The front-end antennas with a directed narrow beam are essential to establish a robust backhaul network for 5G network. The cost and profile of the antenna are imperative due to the large number of smaller cells envisaged for a millimeter-based 5G communication network. Radial-line slot array (RLSA) antennas are suitable due to their planar and thin height profile and single feed point. A low-cost RLSA is investigated for the millimeter-wave backhaul network without using dielectric materials. The lack of dielectric substantially reduces the fabrication cost of the antenna. The RLSA is made of two metal plates where radiating slots are on a thin-plate at the top. The results predicted through numerical simulations indicate antenna can create a narrow broadside beam without any excessive grating or side lobes.