A compact flat antenna array based on Wilkinson power divider for radar applications

Abstract

This paper presents the design, simulation, and achievement of an optimized 64-element antenna array based on Wilkinson power divider operating at 24 GHz. The whole circuit is mounted on a Rogers RO4830 substrate with a thickness of 0.127 mm, copper cladding thickness of 0.018 mm, dielectric constant of 3.24, and a loss tangent of 0.0033. Using advanced design system (ADS) from Keysight, the combiner is meticulously simulated to achieve efficient power combination with minimal insertion loss, excellent impedance matching, and high port-to-port isolation. The design ensures that power from multiple input ports is effectively combined into a single output port, suitable for high-frequency applications. Simulation results at 24 GHz confirm optimal performance, and validation corroborates the accuracy of the ADS-based simulations. The proposed design demonstrates reliability and efficiency for integration into modern communication radar systems operating at millimeter-wave frequencies.