A one-dimensional 5G millimeter-wave wide-angle Scanning Array Antenna Using AMC Structure

ObjectiveWith the rapid advancement of 5G millimeter-wave technology, antennas are required to achieve high gain, wide beam coverage, and compact size, particularly in environments characterized by strong propagation loss and blockage. Conventional millimeter-wave arrays often face difficulties in reconciling wide-angle scanning with high gain and broadband operation due to element coupling and narrow beamwidths. To overcome these challenges, this study proposes a one-dimensional linear array antenna incorporating an Artificial Magnetic Conductor (AMC) structure. The AMC’s in-phase reflection is exploited to improve bandwidth and gain while enabling wide-angle scanning of ±80° at 26 GHz. By adopting a 0.4-wavelength element spacing and stacked topology, the design provides an effective solution for 5G millimeter-wave terminals where spatial constraints and performance trade-offs are critical. The findings highlight the potential of AMC-based arrays to advance antenna technology for future high-speed, low-latency 5G applications by combining broadband operation, high directivity, and broad coverage within compact form factors.MethodsThis study develops a high-performance single-polarized one-dimensional linear millimeter-wave array antenna through a multi-layered structural design integrated with AMC technology. The design process begins with theoretical analysis of the pattern multiplication principle and array factor characteristics, which identify 0.4-wavelength element spacing as an optimal balance between wide-angle scanning and directivity. A stacked three-layer antenna unit is then constructed, consisting of square patch radiators on the top layer, a cross-shaped coupling feed structure in the middle layer, and an AMC-loaded substrate at the bottom. The AMC provides in-phase reflection in the 21～30 GHz band, enhancing bandwidth and suppressing surface wave coupling. Full-wave simulations (HFSS) are performed to optimize AMC dimensions, feed networks, and array layout, confirming bandwidth of 23.7～28 GHz, peak gain of 13.9 dBi, and scanning capability of ±80°. A prototype is fabricated using printed circuit board technology and evaluated with a vector network analyzer and anechoic chamber measurements. Experimental results agree closely with simulations, demonstrating an operational bandwidth of 23.3～27.7 GHz, isolation better than −15 dB, and scanning coverage up to ±80°. These results indicate that the synergistic interaction between AMC-modulated radiation fields and the array coupling mechanism enables a favorable balance among wide bandwidth, high gain, and wide-angle scanning.Results and DiscussionsThe influence of array factor on directional performance is analyzed, and the maximum array factor is observed when the element spacing is between 0.4λ and 0.46λ (Fig. 2). The in-phase reflection of the AMC structure in the 21～30 GHz range significantly enhances antenna characteristics, broadening the bandwidth by 50% compared with designs without AMC and increasing the gain at 26 GHz by 1.5 dBi (Fig. 10, Fig. 13). The operational bandwidth of 23.3～27.7 GHz is confirmed by measurements (Fig. 16a). When the element spacing is optimized to 4.6 mm (0.4λ) and the coupling radiation mechanisms are adjusted, the H-plane half-power beamwidth (HPBW) of the array elements is extended to 180° (Fig. 8, Fig. 9), with a further gain improvement of 0.6 dBi at the scanning edges (Fig. 11b). The three-layer stacked structure—comprising the radiation, isolation, and AMC layers—achieves isolation better than –15 dB (Fig. 16a). Experimental validation demonstrates wide-angle scanning capability up to ±80°, showing close agreement between simulated and measured results (Fig. 11, Fig. 16b). The proposed antenna is therefore established as a compact, high-performance solution for 5G millimeter-wave terminals, offering wide bandwidth, high gain, and broad scanning coverage.ConclusionsA one-dimensional linear wide-angle scanning array antenna based on an AMC structure is presented for 5G millimeter-wave applications. Through theoretical analysis, simulation optimization, and experimental validation, balanced improvement in broadband operation, high gain, and wide-angle scanning is achieved. Pattern multiplication theory and array factor analysis are applied to determine 0.4-wavelength element spacing as the optimal compromise between scanning angle and directivity. A stacked three-layer configuration is adopted, and the AMC’s in-phase reflection extends the bandwidth to 23.7～28.5 GHz, representing a 50% increase. Simulation and measurement confirm ±80° scanning at 26 GHz with a peak gain of 13.8 dBi, which is 1.3 dBi higher than that of non-AMC designs. The close consistency between experimental and simulated results verifies the feasibility of the design, providing a compact and high-performance solution for millimeter-wave antennas in mobile communication and vehicular systems. Future research is expected to explore dual-polarization integration and adaptation to complex environments.