"Low-Cost and Frequency Scalable Ultra-Wideband Tightly Coupled Arrays " by Muhammad Hamza
 

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Major/Program

Electrical and Computer Engineering

First Advisor's Name

Stavros Georgakopoulos

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Elias Alwan

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Third Advisor's Name

Jean Andrian

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Fourth Advisor's Name

Berrin Tansel

Fourth Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Keywords

Ultra-wideband arrays, tightly coupled arrays, planar arrays, frequency scaled arrays, millimeter wave (mmWave)

Date of Defense

5-15-2023

Abstract

Next-generation communication systems require stringent performance metrics, such as, extra-high precision up to the order of 10-5, low jitter in the order of several us, extremely low latency down to the order of 1ms, etc. To enable the development of such systems, planar ultra-wideband (UWB) arrays operating at high millimeter wave (mmWave) bands are urgently needed. Next-generation systems, such as, 5G and 6G, will: (a) enable the development of new applications, such as, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), tactile internet, holographic communication, etc., and (b) enhance the performance of existing applications, such as, improving the range resolution, accuracy, and sensitivity of radar systems.

Current UWB arrays are limited by their frequency of operation and limited work has been done on UWB arrays in the mmWave bands. This work aims to advance the design of UWB arrays by introducing planar antenna elements that can be designed and fabricated at higher mmWave frequencies using standard low-cost fabrication methods, such as printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing. Specifically, this is achieved by proposing: (a) a novel UWB reflectarray, and (b) a new class of UWB arrays, called fully-planar inverted-L element (FILE) array. Notably, our novel UWB reflectarray introduces a unique implementation of true-time-delay lines making it the first UWB dual-polarized reflectarray that achieves a 5:1 frequency bandwidth. Moreover, our FILE element can operate up to at least 100 GHz with a frequency bandwidth ratio of 3:1, while remaining within the tolerances of standard low-cost PCB fabrication method.

An in-depth theoretical analysis of the principles of operation of both proposed designs is conducted. Our results are validated using electromagnetic simulations and measurements. Notably, as a proof-of-concept: (a) an 18x18 element dual-polarized tightly coupled dipole reflectarray operating from 3 to 15 GHz, and (b) a 32x32 element single-polarized tightly coupled FILE array operating from 33 to 101 GHz are fabricated and measured. Our work on UWB planar arrays along with our rigorous theoretical analysis of associated phenomena (e.g., surface waves and lateral waves) are expected to significantly impact the development of future planar UWB arrays, thereby enabling the development of UWB arrays at high mmWave frequencies.

Identifier

FIDC011180

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0347-0134

Available for download on Monday, July 21, 2025

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