Design and Analysis of Ku-Band Unit Cells for Reflectarray Antennas

Abstract

This paper presents the design and analysis of Kuband (12.4GHz-18GHz) slot and gap embedded patch elements reflectarray unit cells. Rectangular and circular slot configurations have been investigated where the slot dimensions have been varied to achieve the progressive phase distribution required by the reflectarray antennas. The simulation results have been verified by the scattering parameter measurements, which are carried out using a waveguide simulator. Rectangular slot and gap configuration provided a frequency variation of 2.26GHz and a dynamic phase range of 279° while the circular slot and gap embedded configuration provided a Ku-band frequency variation of 2.54GHz with a dynamic phase range of 278 °. The proposed design configurations can be used for the design of high performance passive and active reflectarray antennas.