A Wideband Narrow Beam 1x6 Linear Antenna Array for Automotive Radar and 5G Millimetre-Wave Applications

TL;DR

This paper introduces a 1x6 microstrip patch antenna array with a narrow beam and wide bandwidth, optimized for automotive radar and 5G mm-wave applications, demonstrating high gain and directivity.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel 1x6 linear microstrip patch antenna array with optimized spacing and microstrip interconnections for enhanced directivity and bandwidth in automotive and 5G applications.

Findings

Reflection coefficient better than 10 dB across target frequency range

Narrow beamwidth with high directivity achieved

Suitable for high-resolution radar and high-capacity wireless links

Abstract

This paper presents the design and performance analysis of a 1x6 linear microstrip patch antenna array tailored for automotive radar and 5G millimetre-wave (mm-wave) applications. The proposed antenna array comprises six rectangular radiating patches with the primary patch excited using a microstrip feedline, while the remaining patches are interconnected through narrow microstrip lines with a width of 0.1 mm, enabling effective power distribution along the array. Optimal inter-element spacing facilitates constructive and destructive interference, enabling the formation of a narrow beam with enhanced directivity and a wide operational bandwidth. The high-gain radiation characteristics are achieved through the combined effects of the six-element linear configuration and precise impedance matching. Key performance metrics including reflection coefficient, current distribution, and radiation patterns have been analysed. Results demonstrate a reflection coefficient better than 10 dB across the target frequency range and a narrow beamwidth with high directivity, making the array suitable for high-resolution automotive radar and 5G mm-wave communications. Potential applications include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) radar sensing, lane change detection, blind spot monitoring at 28 GHz, and high-capacity point-to-point wireless backhaul links. The design offers a promising solution for compact, high-performance beamforming antenna systems in intelligent transportation and next-generation wireless networks.