A reconfigurable slot aperture design over a broad-band substrate/feed structure

A novel dual-band reconfigurable aperture (RECAP) design is introduced for operation over a two-octave bandwidth. The proposed RECAP consists of interleaved crossed-slot elements for dual-polarized and broad-band array operation without grating lobes. The dimensions of the array elements can be reconfigured by using radio-frequency switches such as microelectromechanical systems or PIN diodes. The array elements along with the switches are integrated into the top layer of a multilayered composite structure consisting of passive, resistively loaded frequency selective surface (FSS) elements that form a broad-band ground plane system. Excitation is provided through a broad-band balanced/matched feed, and reconfiguration allows for broad-band operation using the same FSS substrate. Besides the FSS substrate, shorting pins can be employed within the cavity to enhance gain performance. Significant analysis and understanding of the FSS/slot array configuration is presented along with measurements that should serve as a reference in future developments of these layered arrays.