Microstrip array antenna in-band RCS reduction using polarization reconfigurable elements

Abstract

ABSTRACTAn efficient approach for in-band radar cross section (RCS) reduction of microstrip patch array antenna without employing extra-low RCS artificial materials is proposed and analysed. The element of the array has a simple structure, consisting of a corner-cut square patch and two tiny perturbation elements. By controlling two independently biased PIN diodes, it can produce linear polarization (LP), left- and right-handed circular polarization (LHCP/RHCP) radiation waves. The backscattering RCS reduction of the array can be achieved by changing the polarization status of array elements. For verification, the performance of a polarization reconfigurable microstrip array with different polarization modes is designed, compared and analysed. From the simulation and measurement results, the peak RCS of the array can be reduced by more than 7 dB without affecting its radiation performance.