Design of a reconfigurable transmit-array at X-band frequencies

This paper presents the design of a 20×20 elements electronically-reconfigurable transmit-array at X-band frequencies. This array is illuminated by a 10-dBi horn antenna and is based on a wideband (14.7% at 10 GHz), low insertion loss (1.8 dB at 9.8 GHz) 1-bit electronically reconfigurable unit-cell. The latter consists of an O-slot loaded patch antenna connected by a metallized via hole to a U-slot loaded patch antenna. In order to control electronically its transmission phase, two PIN diodes are integrated in the O-slot. The simulations of the transmit-array have been performed using an in-house tool based on a hybrid electromagnetic/analytical model. The theoretical results are very promising. A 2D beam-steering capability of ±40° and a maximal broadside gain around 23 dBi are expected.