Single-layer reflectarray antennas with improved bandwidth by attaching phase-delay lines

A novel X-band unit cell structure with improved bandwidth performance for single-layer microstrip reflectarray antenna is proposed. The new element structure consists of two circular rings, each with a pair of gaps, and two phase-delay lines are attached to the outer ring to provide the required phase shift. A 9×9 center-fed reflectarray antenna operating at 10 GHz is designed to validate the broadband performance of the proposed unit cell. Simulated results show 20% 1-dB gain bandwidth and 38.5% 3-dB gain bandwidth. The maximum gain at 10 GHz is 20.1 dB, which is equivalent to 40 % efficiency.