Polarization reconfigurable transmitarray antenna utilizing single‐layer Huygen element for Ku‐band satellite communication

Abstract

SummaryThis paper introduces a concept for designing a polarization reconfigurable transmitarray (PRT). The unit cell of the transmitarray utilizes Huygen elements, with dimensions measuring 0.6 ( corresponds to a frequency of 15 GHz). An equivalent circuit model is proposed for the unit cell based on the two‐port Z‐matrix. The proposed unit cells have a very low insertion loss of 0.5 dB at 15 GHz. The PRT is illuminated by a linearly polarized (LP) microstrip‐printed Yagi antenna. The transmitarray is designed using the proposed unit cells with a two‐level phase quantization. The collimated LP radiation emitted by the transmitarray subsequently traverses a polarization reconfigurable converter (PRC). The resultant radiation from the PRC can be either LP or circularly polarized (CP), contingent on the configuration of the PIN diodes employed within the PRC. The proposed PRT demonstrates a measured gain of 16 dBi when operating in the LP mode while achieving a peak gain of 15 dBic in the CP mode. The overall size of the proposed PRT is compact owing to a small f/d ratio (0.58). The practicality of the design is validated through fabrication and measurement. This innovative antenna design holds potential applications in the realm of Ku‐band uplink satellite communication.