High-Gain and Low-Loss Millimeter-Wave LTCC Antenna Array Using Artificial Magnetic Conductor Structure

A novel method based on an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) structure is presented to improve radiation performances of low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) antennas. A millimeter-wave (mmW) LTCC patch antenna using AMC structures is designed, achieving a wide bandwidth of 26%, a high gain of 8.27 dBi, and a high radiation efficiency of 86.2%. Based on the antenna element, an 4 x 4 array with an AMC is developed. A low loss multilayer laminated waveguide (LWG) power divider is proposed to feed the array. Simulation and measurement results for the proposed array are in good agreement, and demonstrate a good and stable performance in terms of 13.96% matching bandwidth, high gain of 19.1 dBi, and flat gain response with variation of 2 dB. Furthermore, the efficiency can reach 63.1% which is higher than other designs available in the literature. A very high efficiency of more than 45% is achieved across a wide frequency band from 34 to 37 GHz.