A frequency- and pattern-reconfigurable two-element array antenna

Abstract

A frequency- and pattern-reconfigurable two-element array antenna based on a stub-loaded configuration is presented. The frequency-tuning mechanism is implemented using varactor diodes loaded with open stubs. Two independent bias voltages allow to independently add pattern reconfigurability to the array. This is achieved by slightly detuning the resonances of the two patches, thus introducing a beam-steering relative phase difference between them. The design is optimized for a relative frequency tuning range of 10% extending from 2.15 to 2.38 GHz, within which it presents a continuously beam-steerable radiation pattern covering scanning angles from -23° to +23° across broadside. An antenna prototype is experimentally characterized, which validates the proposed concept.