Beam Switching Reflectarray using RF MEMS Technology

In this paper a reconfigurable reflectarray is designed where the change in the progressive phase shift between elements is obtained with RF MEMS switches in the transmission lines of unit elements composed of aperture coupled microstrip patch antenna elements. In the design, the phase errors due to nonideal phase design curve and RF MEMS switch type are reduced. It is aimed to switch the reflected beam of the reflectarray between broadside and 40 degrees. To show the validity of the design procedure, a prototype of 20times20 reflectarray is designed and produced. The measurement results of the prototype reflectarray show that the main beam can be directed to the 40 degrees as desired.