Additively Manufactured Dual-Linear 4×8 Array for Beam-Steering in 6G Base Stations

[Abstract] This work presents a scalable 32-element antenna array for beam-steering in 6G base stations, arranged on a triangular lattice with 12.2 mm inter-element spacing. A 4×8 prototype operating from 14.5–15.15 GHz has been developed. Each element is based on a compact waveguide radiating chain designed for additive manufacturing via Selective Laser Melting (SLM), integrating a quad-ridge aperture, orthomode transducer for dual linear polarization and miniaturized SMP interface for direct RF front-end connection. The architecture enables high integration while meeting additive manufacturing constraints. Simulations show return losses >20 dB and inter-port isolation >25 dB across the band. A 2×2 subarray has been fabricated for experimental validation, showing return loss greater than 15 dB and both co-polar and cross-polar coupling below 20 dB over 14.5–15.15 GHz.