3D-printed wideband Vivaldi antenna for millimeter wave applications

Abstract Main aim behind this study is to utilize 3D printing technique for designing and fabrication of a flexible wideband Vivaldi antenna for the upcoming 5 G systems. Frequency bands starting from 24 up to 65 GHz are receiving particular attention as they have potential for both high data rate communications and high-resolution radar applications. A Vivaldi antenna is used for its very wideband properties and planar design. The radiating structure covers a bandwidth of 25–65 GHz for a match better than −10 dB and demonstrates reasonably high gain and efficiency performance. The simulated radiation efficiency of the antenna remains above 90% for the entire bandwidth. Hence, the main advantage of this approach is that wideband or switched transceivers for future 5 G communications can be integrated using this concept without the need of complex matching networks.