3D-Printed Wideband Equal-Phase and Monopulse Antenna Arrays Based on a Magneto-Electric Dipole Element

This paper presents two antenna array designs, an equal-phase array and a monopulse array, implemented using dielectric 3D-printing technology. To achieve wideband operation and low back-lobe radiation, a novel magneto-electric dipole (ME-dipole) element is first proposed. This element is derived from an open-ended waveguide; the open aperture functions as a magnetic dipole, while a pair of metallic patches placed at the aperture forms an electric dipole. Through structural evolution, the element is adapted for post-processing after 3D printing. The two arrays are then developed using this element. The equal-phase array employs a three-stage cascaded T-junction feeding network, whereas the monopulse array replaces the first-stage T-junction with a Magic-T coupler. The main bodies of both arrays are printed from dielectric material, and selected surfaces are copper-electroplated to form the necessary metallic components. The proposed arrays offer simple fabrication, low weight, and good performance. Measurements show that the equal-phase and monopulse arrays achieve overlapped bandwidths of 32.8% and 35.6% and peak gains of 13.1 and 13.5 dBi, respectively. The measured null depth of the monopulse array is below −32.3 dB.