Synthesis of novel 8×8 beam-forming network for broadband multibeam antenna array

Abstract

Synthesis of a novel 8 8 beam-forming network (BFN) for broadband multibeam antenna arrays in the X-band has been proposed. The synthesized BFN has 6 less path crossings than a classic Butler matrix. The BFN design is realized using basic elements such as slot-line transition and magic-Ts. A numerical simulation for the analysis of the frequency characteristics of the proposed BFN is carried out. In addition, we offer a design of an eight-channel multibeam antenna array consisting of the synthesized BFN and Vivaldi antennas. Eight spatial beams cover approximately 120 in the azimuth plane with a peak gain of 12 dB in the range of 8.3–11.7 GHz. The proposed broadband multibeam antenna array has good performance, compactness, and ease of fabrication that would be an attractive candidate for radar, satellite communication, and wireless computer networks.