Compact, low-profile, HIS-based pattern-reconfigurable antenna for wide-angle scanning

A compact, low-profile, pattern-reconfigurable antenna utilizing high impedance surface (HIS) is proposed in this paper. The radiating element of the proposed antenna is closely spaced microstrip parasitic array. With proper design, the parasitic array excites surface wave propagation in HIS, which can be beneficial to obtain a broad and tilted beam generation. By adjusting the PIN diodes loaded in parasitic strips, two symmetrical steerable-beams are achieved. This antenna has great potential to be used as elements for wide-angle scanning applications. For verification, a novel 1×8 uniformly spaced linear array is designed and fabricated using the proposed pattern-reconfigurable antenna as elements. Measured results show that with uniform magnitudes and progressive phase excitation, the array performs a scan angle from -88° to +88° and a low side lobe level.