Two-Dimensional Scanning Array in Quad-Polarization Based on Pattern and Polarization Reconfigurable Element With Single Feed

• Published in: IEEE transactions on antennas and propagation Vol. 73; no. 5; pp. 3424 - 3429
• Main Authors: Du, Yu, Han, Zhu-Bin, Liu, Zheng-Liang, Chen, Rui-Zi, Li, Jian-Ying
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York IEEE 01.05.2025; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: 2-D scanning; Antenna accessories; Antenna arrays; Antennas; Gain; Impedance; inverted-L antenna; Jamming; Microstrip antenna arrays; P-i-n diodes; Parasitic elements (antennas); pattern and polarization reconfigurable; phased array; Phased arrays; PIN diodes; Polarization; Probes; quad-polarization (quad-Pol.); Reconfiguration; Reconstruction; Switches
• ISSN: 0018-926X; 1558-2221
• DOI: 10.1109/TAP.2025.3542588

In this communication, a phased array possessing 2-D scanning capability in quad-polarization (quad-Pol.) is proposed with larger element spacing. This array is based on a new pattern and polarization reconfigurable antenna, which is composed of four inverted-L antennas connected to the center probe through p-i-n diodes. By toggling the bias states of diodes, pattern reconstruction and polarization reconstruction (y-Pol., x-Pol., and ±45°-Pol.) can be achieved simultaneously, effectively improving the scanning and antijamming capabilities. Subsequently, a <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">6\times 6 </tex-math></inline-formula> array with parasitic elements surrounding is designed and fabricated. The measured results demonstrated a scanning range of ±60° in the E- and D-planes for the y-Pol. and x-Pol. In the H-plane, the scanning range is within ±45°. For ±45°-Pol., a ±45° scanning range is implemented in the E- and H-planes. In the D-plane, benefitting from the pattern reconfigurability, a ±60° scanning range is covered. The maximum realized gains at 4.22 GHz are 19.23 and 19.56 dBi, respectively. The scanning gain fluctuation is within 3 dB. Compared with previous studies, the polarization diversity is introduced in 2-D scanning arrays to improve communication quality and antijamming ability. Meanwhile, the function realization is under the maximum element spacing of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">0.54\lambda </tex-math></inline-formula> and single feed, saving 25% of the system cost.