MEMS controlled linearly polarised reflectarray elements

Reflectarrays can offer some capability to reconfigure the beam if MEMS devices are integrated within each unit element. This technology offers a moderate cost solution for reconfigurable antennas, as an alternative to phased arrays, which suffer from the drawback of high cost, complexity and consumption. Phase shift elements with MEMS switches have been previously developed for missions with circular polarisation [1]. The objective is now to develop a phase shift element with MEMS devices operating on linear polarisation.