A Simple Blass Matrix Design Strategy for Multibeam Arbitrary Linear Antenna Arrays

Buttazzoni G.

;Marongiu E.;Fanti A.;Melis A.;Curreli N.;Pavone S. C.;Sorbello G.;Schettino G. M.;Vatta F.;Babich F.;Comisso M.

2023-01-01

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Abstract

Multibeam antenna arrays are currently recognized as one of the enabling technologies for the next-generation communication standards. One of the key components of these systems is the beamforming network (BFN) that implements the array element excitations. This article addresses this issue by presenting a novel strategy to realize an analog feeding network, which allows an arbitrary linear array (LA) to radiate multiple arbitrary beams. In particular, an iterative procedure is conceived to design a Blass matrix using an identical directional coupler for all nodes, resulting in a very simple structure suitable for large-scale production. Two applications with arbitrary directions are illustrated as proofs-of-concept for the developed architecture: a dual-beam configuration with a null involving an aperiodic LA, and a four-beam configuration involving a periodic LA. For this second application, the effectiveness of the proposed solution is further verified by full-wave simulations and experimental measurements carried out on a fabricated prototype.