MAURO ETTORRE

Quasi-Optical Beam Forming Networks for Multi-Beam, Wideband Millimeter-Wave Antennas

Millimeter-wave antennas are crucial for the deployment of next-generation communication networks and advanced satellite systems, providing high-speed data connections for mobile users. This presentation will demonstrate that quasi-optical planar beamformers are effective for operating multi-beam, wide-scanning antennas. These systems address the challenges posed by losses and high costs associated with phased arrays in the millimeter-wave range while preserving the agility of the radiating units. We will present implementations of this concept using substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) technology, low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology, and silicon micromachining for various millimeter-wave applications. In particular, quasi-optical planar systems can efficiently power focal arrays of multi-reflector systems or wideband connected arrays for Ka-band satellite links. In this context, we will discuss various implementations, including printed circuit board (PCB) technology, traditional milling, and 3D printing.

Mauro Ettorre received a Laurea degree “summa cum laude” in Electrical Engineering and a Ph.D. degree in Electromagnetics from the University of Siena, Italy, in 2004 and 2008, respectively. Part of his Ph.D. work was developed at the TNO, the Netherlands. Since 2023, he has been a Professor at Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA. Previously, he was a Research Scientist at the CNRS, IETR laboratory in France. From 2014 until 2020, he co-led the multi-beam antenna activity for satellite applications in the joint laboratory between IETR and Thales Alenia Space, France. From 2016 until 2021, he led the mm and sub-mm waves team at IETR, and co-chaired from 2021 to 2023 the department ADH (Antennas and Microwave Devices Department) at IETR. Dr. Ettorre’s research interests include the analysis and design of quasi-optical systems, periodic structures, wideband arrays, millimeter-wave antennas, non-diffractive radiation, and localized waves. He has authored over 97 journal papers and 250 conference communications and holds 14 patents (2 licensed) on millimeter-wave antenna technology. Dr. Ettorre is a Fellow of IEEE. From 2017 until 2023, he served as Associate Editor for the IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation. Since 2023, he has served as Track Editor for the same journal. He currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine. Dr. Ettorre is the 2024 IEEE MTT-S and AP-S Inter-Society Distinguished Lecturer. The research activities of Dr. Ettorre have been recognized with several prizes, including the 2009 French Ministry of Research award for the most innovative project in all natural sciences, the Young Investigator Award from the French National Research Agency in 2014, the Innovation Award at the 2018 ESA Antenna Workshop in the Netherlands, the Best Paper Award in Electromagnetics and Antenna Theory at EuCAP 2018, UK, the Best Antennas Paper Award at EuCAP 2021, Germany and Best Paper Award at the iWAT 2023, Denmark.