Design and Optimization of Test Socket for Millimeter-Wave Steerable Beam Measurement Technology

In this study, we present a 2×2 broadband dual-polarized antenna array on the 10 (4+2+4) multi-layer organic substrates with size of 13 × 13 × 0.87 mm3 and measured by test socket. The antenna structure is a stacking patch antenna with parasitic elements, the most suitable substrate stack-up is selected for cost-effectiveness and parasitic elements is added for operation bandwidth enhancement. The test socket is consisted of load board and socket to measure the characteristics of the antenna array. By simulation and optimization, test socket can measure performance close to only antenna array. It's very suitable for quick performance check during R&D phase. In the 24.5 to 29.5 GHz range, the realized gain of antenna array in vertical polarization and horizontal polarization is measured from 9.3 to 11.7 dBi. Finally, the 3D beam steering is implemented in four quadrants at 28GHz, and a maximum realized gain of 8.13dBi is achieved in the beam direction of quadrant IV.