SIW 90-Degree Twist for Substrate Integrated Circuits and Systems
Résumé
A 90-degree twist based on Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) and using LEGO-like interconnected PCB building blocks is proposed for the first time. The fabrication involves a low cost standard PCB process and connection of building blocks similar to assembling LEGO toys, which have been enjoyed by millions of children. The validation of the proposed process consists of a 90-degree twist operating over the Ka-band (from 26.5 to 40 GHz). The fabricated component achieves a return loss of less than -18 dB and an insertion loss of better than 1 dB over the Ka-band. The proposed 3-dimensionnal geometry represents one of the key components for future microwave and millimeter-wave Substrate Integrated System or Subsystem (SIS). It allows an efficient interconnection between horizontal and vertical SIW PCBs. As an application example, a wideband dual-polarized end-fire antenna operating from 32 to 38 GHz is demonstrated based on the proposed 90-degree twist. It achieves an isolation of higher than 32 dB, a return loss of better than -18 dB and a gain higher than 14 dBi at 35 GHz.