Pattern reconfigurable antenna with two-dimensional beam steering capability using metasurface

Abstract

A two-dimensional (2-D) beam steering pattern reconfigurable antenna with an active partially reflecting surface (PRS) is presented in this paper. The proposed design incorporates a U-slot patch antenna functioning as a radiator and a superstrate composed of an active PRS layer. The PRS superstrate layer consists of 6 × 6 unit cells, divided into four sections, each comprised of 3 × 3 unit cells. To achieve reconfigurability, each unit cell within the PRS layer is loaded with two PIN diodes. Phase inconsistency can be introduced by changing the states of the PIN diode at different sections, which causes the PRS antenna to change the direction of its main beam. By controlling the operating states of PIN diodes within each unit cell, a total of sixteen radiation patterns can be generated. The proposed antenna supports 2-D beam steering in both the xz- and yz-planes, allowing for a maximum steered angle of ±40°. The performance of the fabricated antenna is experimentally verified at an operating frequency of 3.5 GHz. The proposed antenna is suitable for the 5G NR frequency band n78 and operates within the frequency range of 3.3 to 3.8 GHz.