Phased arrays based on hybrid clusters

In this work a sub-array hybrid cluster is proposed for phased array applications. The sub-array cluster is based on a driven element surrounded by parasitically coupled radiators which can be controlled in phase through a reactive element such as a varactor diode. By varying the capacitance of the varactor diode, the phase of the field radiated by the parasitic patch can be controlled thus resulting in a reconfigurable cluster where only the central element is connected to the array beam forming network. Preliminary simulations were performed taking as a reference an elementary cluster composed by a single parasitic element. The proposed configuration, designed at 6 GHz, shows beam steering range between −30 and 12.5 degrees with a gain higher than 7 dBi over the entire scanning range.