A 3D-Printed C-Band Antenna Array

Author(s):

Michael Don, Harvey Tsang, Sean Jackson, Kevin Brower, Jonathan Hallameyer, and Macs Brown

Abstract:

ARL has been researching modeling methods, severe platform-constrained designs, and direction of arrival applications for antenna arrays, as well as materials and methods for 3D printing. This report describes ARL’s efforts to combine these research areas by producing a 3D-printed antenna array. First, the design and prototyping of the array is described. Next, the modeling and simulation of a 3D-printed version of the array is presented, and the 3D printing process is detailed. Finally, the test setup and measurement results are given. With this successful manufacturing of a 3D-printed antenna array, ARL is poised to conduct future research developing arrays with more advanced structures and integrated electronics.