Linearly polarized reconfigurable reflectarray surface

Abstract

A simple, low-cost, linearly polarized reconfigurable reflectarray surface (RAS) is presented that can provide beam steering over a wide range of angles in one plane. The results for a prototype design demonstrated beam steering from 35° to 60° at 5.5 GHz. Simple equations describing the beam steering angle and overall size for a minimum radar cross-sectional area (RCS) are presented that aid the system designer. The concertina RAS can be manufactured using screen-printing techniques making this potentially a low-cost product that can meet the needs of widespread deployment needed by wireless systems. A sample design using an A2-sized sheet of paper increased a 5.5 GHz signal by 20 dB, eliminating a 'dead spot' in the laboratory.