Search

In this paper, a beam switching antenna (BSA) based on a reconfigurable cascaded feeding network (RCFN) is presented. The RCFN is engineered by cascading several varactor-loaded quasi-lumped couplers (QLCs). As the output port of the RCFN, the coupled port of every QLC is connected to an endfire radiator. BSAs based on two types of RCFN, the open-loop RCFN and closed-loop RCFN, are designed, simulated, and measured. The open-loop design features flexible beam switching strategies with the dynamic control of operation modes allocating the input power to the intended radiator(s), and single-/multibeam switching is achieved. In the case of the closed-loop RCFN, a power-recycling circuit is introduced to improve the efficiency of the single-beam switching mode of the BSA. Measured results show that the BSA operating in single-beam mode is able to radiate six switched beams each with a 3 dB beamwidth of 60°, covering 360° in the azimuth plane. The return losses and gain fluctuation of both prototypes are better than 15 dB and less than 1 dB, respectively. The corresponding experiments agree well with both the theoretical analysis and the simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, we propose an approach to realize substrate integrated waveguide (SIW)-based leaky-wave antennas (LWAs) supporting continuous beam scanning from backward to forward above the cutoff frequency. First, through phase delay analysis, it was found that SIWs with straight transverse slots support backward and forward radiation of the $-1$-order mode with an open-stopband (OSB) in between. Subsequently, by introducing additional longitudinal slots as parallel components, the OSB can be suppressed, leading to continuous beam scanning at least from $-40^\circ$ through broadside to 35°. The proposed method only requires a planar structure and obtains less dispersive beam scanning compared with a composite right/left-handed (CRLH) LWA. Both simulations and measurements verify the intended beam scanning operation while verifying the underlying theory. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article presents a polarization-reconfigurable wideband high-gain antenna based on liquid metal tuning. The antenna consists of a center-feed circular patch antenna with a C-shaped slot as the driven element. To broaden the bandwidth and improve the realized gain, a parasitic circular disc and 13 circular directors are employed. The direction of polarization can be tuned by changing the location of the liquid metal alloy contained in the tube. The relationship between the dimensions and the maximally achievable gain has been analyzed. The antenna has exhibited a −10 dB impedance bandwidth from 4.3 to 5.3 GHz (a fractional bandwidth of 21.2%). A 14.4 dBi gain is achieved at 5.3 GHz. The simulation and measurement results show good agreement with each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]