Slotted Waveguide Antenna Design Using 3D EM Simulation

Slotted waveguide antennas (SWA) are often employed in radar applications where design specifications commonly require high gains and mechanical robustness. Since the peak power transmitted by radar antennas is usually very high, waveguide antennas present a practical alternative to planar arrays. While numerous design references and guidelines exist for planar arrays, there are far fewer for slotted waveguide antennas. This article presents a comprehensive workflow for the analysis and design of a slotted waveguide antenna with slots placed on the narrow wall of the waveguide. The virtual design is modeled and simulated using two different numerical methods and different mesh types. This simulation is compared to the analytical solution for array antennas and to the performance of a physical prototype.