Polarization-agile microstrip antenna array using a single phase-shift circuit

A novel polarization-agile microstrip antenna array is proposed, in which the polarization agility from linear to circular polarization for the whole array is realized easily by controlling a single phase-shift circuit. Using the corner-fed square patch element, a new 16 element dual-polarized array with high isolation and low cross-polarization is designed and analyzed by the extended multiport network method. A special FET phase shifter circuit is created, where 0° or 90° phase shift between dual ports is electrically switched. Experimental results are presented to verify the theory, and measured circularly-polarized radiation patterns show a boresight axial ratio of 0.5 dB. Another experiment that connects a low noise amplifier together with the phase-shift circuit is also introduced, realizing both polarization agility and power amplification with one active circuit.