Three‐state pattern reconfigurable active antenna integrated with Gunn oscillator and switched‐line phase shifter

Abstract

AbstractIn this paper, a novel active integrated array antenna (AIAA) is introduced for the purpose of enabling pattern switchable functionality. The AIAA includes a Gunn oscillator, four microstrip antennas, and two switched‐line phase shifters. The Gunn oscillator provides high‐output RF power to excite the antenna elements through the switched‐line phase shifters. The switched‐line phase shifter allows for switching the main beam direction of the radiation pattern among three states, specifically , and in the ‐plane without shifting its high resonance frequency. Besides, the AIAA requires fewer RF switching diodes in a compact, cheap, and simple layout when compared to previously reported AIAAs. An experimental evaluation of the proposed antenna's performance is conducted and the results indicate an effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) of +16.09 dBm at the frequency of 9.41 GHz. In all three states, the cross‐polarization suppression is better than 15 dB.