Ridge gap waveguide antenna array with improved mutual isolation for millimeter wave applications

Fifth-generation millimeter-wave devices with multiple antennas require minimal mutual interference for better overall performance. This article presents a simple but novel technique to improve the isolation between closely packed slot antenna arrays. A printed ridge gap waveguide (PRGW) structure is used to realize a low loss millimeter-wave array's feeding mechanism. By optimally introducing a defective upper plate within the PRGW structure, the measured port isolation of the antenna elements is improved by 17 dB at 61.3 GHz. The antenna array is impedance matched to the feeding PRGW structure over a wide frequency range of 54–67 GHz. Moreover, the radiation patterns are consistent showing broadside radiation before and after introducing the defect in the PRGW structure. The fabricated prototype of the PRGW fed slot antenna array validated the predicted isolation and return-loss bandwidths of the proposed radiating system.