Integration of a 4×8 antenna array with a reconfigurable 2-bit phase shifter using RF MEMS switches on multilayer organic substrates

In this paper, liquid crystal polymer (LCP) is used as the substrate, which enables the fabrication of a flexible, low cost, and light weight antenna. Using LCP, an attempt to expand from the previous works has been accomplished by constructing a 4times8 antenna array made of two 4times4 sections being fed with a reconfigurable 2-bit phase shifter. Each reconfigurable phase shifter is enabled by eight RF MEMS switches and the two 2-bit phase shifter together, allow a 6deg phase shift in the final design.