Abstract

This thesis investigates the performance enhancement of transverse slot antennas using Groove Gap Waveguide technology. It focuses on improving bandwidth, gain, and radiation characteristics for modern wireless communication systems, particularly in the sub-6 GHz and millimeter-wave bands for 5G and beyond. The study begins with a comprehensive review of GGW technology, Electromagnetic Band Gap structures, and slotted antenna designs, highlighting their significance in overcoming challenges such as high path loss, limited penetration, and narrow bandwidth in high-frequency applications.
A simple single GGW slotted antenna is designed and analyzed, operating in the 3.1–4.6 GHz range with an impedance bandwidth of 38%, achieving a highest gain of 7 dBi. To enhance performance, rectangular corrugations are incorporated into the top layer, extending the matching impedance bandwidth to 54% and a highest gain of 10.3 dBi is achieved by introducing a step under the slot at the GGW-to-slot transition, resulting in a remarkable 77% impedance bandwidth while maintaining a gain of 10.3 dBi. The measurement results closely align with simulations, demonstrating a 73% matching impedance bandwidth. The scalability of the stepped design is also explored, showing that the 77% impedance bandwidth is preserved when scaled to center frequencies of 30 GHz and 60 GHz, making it highly suitable for mm-wave applications.
Simulations using CST Studio and HFSS validate the designs, with detailed analyses of S_11, gain, radiation patterns, and E-field distributions. The results underscore the effectiveness of GGW technology, EBG structures, corrugations, and steps in addressing the limitations of traditional slotted antennas, offering a robust solution for wideband, high-gain antennas in next-generation wireless networks. This research contributes to advancing antenna design for 5G, radar, and satellite communications, providing a foundation for future developments in scalable, high-frequency antenna systems.