1-bit Low-Cost Electronically Reconfigurable Reflectarray and Phased Array Based on p-i-n Diodes for Dynamic Beam Scanning

In this paper, an electronically reconfigurable folded reflect array antenna (ERFRA), which includes 14x14 reflecting elements and features a fully planar compact configuration and wide-angle beam-scanning performance, was developed, fabricated, and tested. A novel reflecting element that is able to carry out cross-polarization rotation and electronically reconfigurable 1-bit compensation phases was first developed. After experimentally demonstrating its feasibility, the new reflecting element was then applied to the design of a 14x14 electronically reconfigurable folded reflect array antenna, with a planar feed in the center of the reflect array and a beam-control system based on the field programmable gate array (FPGA). The measurements of the fabricated ERFRA prototype show a wide beam-scanning range, up to +/- 60 degrees, a peak gain of 17.07 dBi, and an aperture efficiency of about 13.2%.