A Broadband 1-Bit Single-Layer Reconfigurable Reflectarray Unit Cell Based on PIN Diode Model

Abstract

Microstrip reconfigurable reflectarray antennas (RRAs) have great potential for advanced systems including satellite communications and the 6th generation (6G) wireless mobile communication networks. However, as a type of microstrip antennas, RRAs generally exhibit an intrinsic issue of narrow bandwidths. This issue is further deteriorated by complicated structures for phase shifting and DC supplying in RRAs. PIN diodes have been used in recent works to control the phases of RRA elements. However, modelling them is still costly and time consuming. In this work, a simple but novel method for modelling PIN diode SMP-1340-040 is developed by using waveguides and modified simulation approaches. Based on the obtained model, a broadband 1-bit unit cell using only one substrate is also proposed, and it achieves a simulated bandwidth of 40.6% and 33.8% for linear and circular polarizations, respectively. The experimental results show an excellent agreement with the simulation, which confirms the accuracy of the proposed PIN diode model. Moreover, the performances of the unit cell demonstrate that it can be used for designing RRAs in bands X and Ku.

Modern Reflectarray Antennas: A Review of the Design, State-of-the-Art, and Research Challenges

“…Variable rotation technique is used in [122] to achieve the required phase range. In [124], a W-band windmill structure is proposed, to enhance its phase range, by rotating twice.…”

A New 1 Bit Electronically Reconfigurable Transmitarray

“…PIN diodes have been extensively utilized to enhance the reconfigurability of antennas, contributing to advancements in beam-switching and scanning capabilities, and the development of dual-polarization [8] and 2 bit circularly polarized [9] beams. Despite these innovations, the reflectarray approach has been limited by its narrow bandwidth [10,11] and feed shielding issues, which compromise performance. The transmitarray, devoid of feed shielding problems, represents a significant step forward.…”

A Metasurface-Based Electronically Reconfigurable and Dual-Polarized Reflectarray Antenna for Beam-Steering Applications

“…This has led to the emerging of intriguing meta-devices and exploration of exotic physical phenomena, and enabling applications such as beam control and focusing lenses [3]. The versatility and potential of the RMTs drive innovative research in various fields, and has led to the study and development of reconfigurable reflectarray antennas (RRAs) [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. The RRAs combine the advantages of both parabolic reflectors and microstrip array antennas to overcome their limitations.…”

“…The RRAs overcome this limitation and enable dynamic EM wave manipulations. Different tuning mechanisms, such as mechanical movement [14,15], MEMS [16], liquid crystal [17,18], varactor diodes [13], and PIN diodes [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] provide reconfigurability by changing the unit cell's reflection phase [20]. Mechanical RRAs utilize servos, micro motors, or similar equipment to change the unit cell's EM responses.…”

“…However, they have limited dynamic range, high power consumption, and complexity in designing voltage-controlled circuits. In contrast, PIN diodes are widely used in RRAs [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12], and reflection phase can be modified through the change in resistance, capacitance, and inductance with applied DC voltage. PIN diodes offer low power consumption and low insertion loss compared to varactor diodes, as well as simplicity and cost-effectiveness.…”