Quasi-optical discrete beam steering grids

Abstract

Quasi-optical discrete beam-steering grids were presented using PIN-diode switch arrays to change reactances across the transmission aperture. E-plane and H-plane beam-steering angles of (+loo, -12.5') and k20" were demonstrated at 3GHz, respectively, with transmission losses less than 6dB. The insertion loss is due to the series resistance of the PIN-diodes and can be reduced by reducing the series resistance of the switches. The theory was verified with a 5-GHz passive grid, which had E-plane and H-plane beamsteering angles of (+12.5", -15") and +12.5", respectively, compared with the theoretical angles of _+12". The total transmission losses were less than 2dB. Millimeterwave discrete beam-steering grids are proposed using new MEMS see-saw-bar switches to reduce losses.

Analysis and Design of $E$-Plane Scanning Grid Arrays

“…According to [12], the single grid array represents a shunt reactance for the incident -polarized plane wave. This reactance can be set to inductive or capacitive depending on the state of the p-i-n diode switches.…”

“…Thus, by stacking several above-mentioned pairs of grid arrays, the linearly progressive phase shifts can be provided [12]. Consequently, a proper biasing of the p-i-n diodes is needed to obtain the required linear phase taper to redirect the transmitted wave as it is shown in Fig.…”

“…First, our mathematical model and the method of equivalent circuits (similar to the one described in [12]) were used to determine the internal geometry of the "small" cell of the grid array. Therefore, the geometry of the pair of grid arrays was optimized to obtain the 45-degree matched loaded line phase shifter with minimized levels of return and insertion loss and reduced level of the parasitic amplitude modulation near the frequency of 30 GHz.…”

Spatial power combining for high-power transmitters

“…Several different beam-steering architectures have been proposed or investigated, most consisting essentially of a two-dim array of phase shifters or switches coupled to input and output waveguides or planar antennas [34]. The key point here is that a QO beam steerer is compatible with the QO amplifier cascade and eliminates the need for a mechanical gimbal, the long-standing beam-steering component in RF-guided seekers.…”

Study of 2-bit Antenna–Filter–Antenna Elements for Reconfigurable Millimeter-Wave Lens Arrays

“…By selectively biasing the switches, a quantized phase shift of 0 -360 can be obtained from a multiwafer structure. Although interesting in concept, the system is next to impossible to fabricate, at least due to the difficulties associated with three-dimensional (3-D) biasing and control, and stress control and stiction in the membrane [10]. The early onset of grating lobes and surface wave modes due to that the large distance between elements also limits the scanning width [11].…”