Open AccessA Ku-Band Foldable Reflectarray Based on a Maltese-Cross Microstrip Element
Author(s) -
S. V. Polenga,
Р О Рязанцев,
A. D. Poligina,
Roman M. Krylov,
Е А Литинская,
Ю.П. Саломатов
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
izvestiâ vysših učebnyh zavedenij rossii. radioèlektronika
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2658-4794
pISSN - 1993-8985
DOI - 10.32603/1993-8985-2021-24-4-37-47
Subject(s) - microstrip , reflector (photography) , phase (matter) , anechoic chamber , finite element method , antenna (radio) , microstrip antenna , frequency band , materials science , acoustics , optics , electronic engineering , engineering , telecommunications , physics , structural engineering , light source , quantum mechanics
. Reflectarrays have a number of design and functional advantages over their closest analogue - reflector antennas (RA). Although microstrip elements are the most preferred reflectarray elements, single-layer microstrip elements do not allow accurate phase control due to the limited phase adjustment range and a high phase slope. The use of multilayer elements significantly complicates the antenna design and increases its cost. The development of a single-layer element that allows more than 360° phase adjustment and a low phase curve slope is urgent. Aim. To develop a single-layer microstrip phase-correcting element with a phase adjustment range of more than 360° and to design a reflectarray on its basis for operation in satellite communication networks. Materials and methods. Numerical studies were carried out using finite element analysis and the finite-difference time-domain method. Radiation patterns were measured using the near-field scanning method in an anechoic chamber. Results. A phase-correcting element based on a single-layer Maltese cross-shaped microstrip element with close to linear dependence of element size on the phase of the reradiated wave and more than 360° phase adjustment range was developed. On the basis of the investigated element, a foldable reflectarray was designed. The reflector consists of four subarrays, which provide its compact folding for transportation. The results of experimental studies confirmed a high efficiency of the reflectarray, the gain of which is 1.5 dB lower than that of an identical overall dimensions RA in a 7 % operating frequency band. The operating frequency band of the reflectarray in 1 dB gain zone was 11 %. Conclusion. On the basis of a Maltese cross microstrip element, it is possible to implement a single-layer reflectarray with a more than 10 % frequency band. The developed prototype showed the possibility of creating highly efficient foldable reflectarrays for operation in satellite communication and television terminals.