Massive Phased Array Antenna With ±50⁰ Beam Steering For Space Communications at W-Band Frequency

In this study, a 320×320 millimeter-wave phased array antenna was designed and simulated using periodic boundary condition method (CAD-FEKO platform) for future W-band transmitting Earth-to-Space communication. The utilization of phased array antennas presents an opportunity to enhance interference mitigation while optimally utilizing available bandwidth. This capability stems from their dynamic capacity to steer the primary beam, which emits the strongest radiation, towards the desired target direction. The focuses of this article is on design and analysis of the front end of a 75 GHz phased array antenna enabling electronic beam steering in two dimensions. The simulation results for the 320×320 element Phased Array Antenna (PAA) elucidate the antenna's far-field radiation patterns across various steer angles. The array antenna exhibits a gain exceeding 51.8 dBi with Azimuth and Elevation ±50⁰ beam scanning. Beyond this limit, the gain decreases below 51.8 dBi, and the radiation pattern coverage toward an Endfire configuration. Additionally, the Half Power Beam Width (HPBW) is ≤ 0.65⁰ , further enhancing its utility as W-band transmitting earth station terminal antennas for satellite communication. The investigation into their performance and viability unveils promising prospects for advancing communication systems within the specified frequency range.