Substrate-Integrated-Waveguide Beamforming Networks and Multibeam Antenna Arrays for Low-Cost Satellite and Mobile Systems

The growing complexity of satellite and mobile communication systems means that there are increasing needs for antenna arrays with multiple-beam capability. Conventional beamforming-network (BFN) configurations can be realized by different types of transmission lines, such as a microstrip line or waveguide. However, each of these has its own obvious defects. As part of a new generation of high-frequency integrated circuits, called substrate integrated circuits (SICs), substrate-integrated-waveguide (SIW) technology combines the benefits of both planar transmission-line and non-planar-waveguide technologies. It presents an excellent solution for the design and implementation of high-frequency beamforming networks, including for use at millimeter wavelengths. This paper overviews the state-of-the-art of substrate-integrated-waveguide techniques in the design and realization of innovative beamforming networks, and multibeam antenna arrays for low-cost satellite and mobile systems. Different classes of substrate-integrated-waveguide-based structures are theoretically and experimentally studied and demonstrated, to offer unprecedented performance and opportunities for specific space- and ground-based applications.