Steerable reflective high-gain antenna array based on loaded dipole scatterers

We present the results of studying experimentally a constructively simple and inexpensive centimeter-wave antenna having a radiation pattern, whose shape can be controlled. Specifically, the main lobe of the pattern can be scanned in a wide angular range, its width can be changed, and minima of the pattern can be formed in specified directions. The feed being the only active element of the antenna is located in front of the mirror made up by a system of steerable passive scatterers, which are dipole antennas loaded by semiconducting diodes. The capacity of the diode loads is changed under the action of controlling signals, which set specific bias voltages at each diode. The studies aimed at testing experimentally the operability of the antenna and assessing the practically achievable parameters of the proposed antenna design. The developed laboratory model of the antenna operates at frequencies near 2.4 GHz with a gain of more than 21 dBi and the possibility of scanning the main lobe of the radiation pattern in the horizontal and vertical planes to ±60° and ±15°, respectively, for the antenna with overall dimensions 100 × 60 × 30 cm.