A Novel Bandwidth Enhancement Technique for X-Band Rf Mems Actuated Reconfigurable Reflectarray

Abstract

Abstract-In this paper, a wideband microstrip antenna for Xband (8.2 GHz-12.4 GHz) applications is introduced. First, simple patch antennas are studied, and a narrowband reflectarray antenna is designed. The resultant design demonstrates better performance than the previously published narrowband microstrip reflectarray antennas. The important features of the employed elements are simple structure, linear operation, and use of Radio Frequency Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (RF MEMS) switches for programmable pattern control. Next, employing our novel method, the designed narrowband structure is converted to broadband reflectarray antenna that can cover the whole X band. This novel idea is based on introducing several ground plane slots and controlling their electrical lengths by RF MEMS switches. By means of this method, 952 and 587 degree phase swing are achieved for continuous and discrete slot length variations, respectively. Application of this method along with smaller switches results in phase swing improvement of up to 1616 degree. In all structures a RT duroid (5880) substrate is selected to lower the back radiation. The achieved return loss in all cases is less than 0.32 dB. In comparison with the previous publications, our novel bandwidth enhancement technique has more generalization capability and results in single layered broadband reconfigurable microstrip reflectarray antennas with linear phase swing, lower cost, and ease of RF MEMS implementation.

A Reflectarray Based on the Folded Sir Patch-Slot Configuration Backed on FSS for Low RCS

“…For example, the using identical microstrip patches with different-length phase-delay lines, variable-size patches, dipoles, or rings have been proposed over the last decade [11,12]. To overcome the shortcoming of narrow bandwidth of the reflectarrays, multi-layer reflectarrays using variable patch size are also being developed [13]. Indeed, the elements with linear phase response can be used to improve the antenna bandwidth.…”

A Dual-Frequency Single Layer Circularly Polarized Reflectarray With Frequency Selective Surface Backing

“…However, one of the severe drawbacks for the reflectarray is its narrow bandwidth. Several approaches have been developed to increase the bandwidth of reflectarray antenna [2][3][4]. Moreover, a dual-frequency reflectarray antenna has been proposed to cover two narrow bands [5].…”

Mutual Coupling Analysis Using FDTD for Dielectric Resonator Antenna Reflectarray Radiation Prediction

“…Since then, many advance structures have been designed to further enhance the capability of reflectarray antenna especially in satellite communication [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. A reflectarray antenna integrates the advantages of reflector type antenna and phased array antennas [14].…”