Constant-phase dual polarization MEMS-based elementary cell for electronic steerable reflectarrays

A reconfigurable radiating element for beam steering reflectarray is proposed. The elementary cell consists of a square patch slot-coupled to a coplanar transmission line, operating at 76.5 GHz, with 1-bit phase resolution (0°/180°). The control is obtained by activating two pairs of MEMS switches placed on the backside of the radiating element. Such configuration allows dual polarizations and a flat phase shift response over a broad band (theoretically unlimited). Full-wave simulations are presented for 76.5 GHz patch, whereas a demonstrator operating at 10 GHz was simulated, manufactured and tested to confirm the basic principle of operation.

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