Pixel Antenna Design for mm-Wave Wireless Communications to Achieve Wide Scanning

In this paper, we illustrate the feasibility of achieving extensive scan capabilities through the integration of a pixel antenna into a radiating matrix, designed for millimeter-wave communications. The antenna element is a combination of a capacitively coupled patch antenna and a partially reflective surface, that operates in the frequency range between 27 GHz and 29 GHz. With the integration of a linear matrix, we can achieve a scan range from -74 degrees to +74 degrees. In an 8 x 8 matrix, the scan range extends from -63 degrees to +63 degrees in the phi = 0 degrees-plane and from -57 degrees to +57 degrees in the phi = 90 degrees-plane, with only a 3 dB scan loss. The planar matrix is arranged in a triangular grid, which significantly reduces mutual coupling with adjacent elements when compared to the regular grid.